Brent Gibson Memorial Icebreaker - TriathlonSprint

The pool was very warm. I was in a lane with 5 other folks.

My swim was pretty close to my expected time. I didn't push too hard. My lane mates and I were pretty even, so we swapped the lead quite a few times. I took the lead for the last 200 and finished strong.

This wasn't my best swim, but I was pleased with the result based on the training I've put in this year.

Not too much. About half-way through, I was leading and someone was persistently tapping my feet, so I let everyone pass (they were all together), then I progressed back to the front over the next few laps. Next time I might not let everyone go, just the one.

I fiddled with putting on my socks and my bike jersey. I had a hint of a blister on the back of my foot, so going sockless didn't seem like a good idea this early in the year; the temperature was cool enough that I thought a jersey would be useful (plus I feel faster in that jersey).

Practice transitions more. Maybe not worry about the fast jersey, even if the temps are cool.

I had a good bike. Since this was only my third ride outside, I didn't push myself too hard.

The organizers did a great job of sweeping the course, but there wasn't much they could do about the potholes and cracks except mark them. I took the turns carefully and mostly focused on the road, to safely traverse the course.

I kept a good cadence - mostly light and fast - and I felt strong.

I love my tri bike. :)

More outside riding!

Post riding brain haze meant I couldn't remember how to undo my tri shoes. (The Velcro opens on the other side compared to my road bike shoes.) Once I got that figured out, I was okay.

As above: practice transitions more.

Legs were sluggish at the start of the run, and my lower back reminded me that I haven't been in aero position much this winter. But I eventually got into a groove.

I got passed more than I passed others, so I tried to "draft" of the runners who passed me, if only for a few steps. That helped me remember to keep up my run cadence and to push a bit harder.

I ran a negative split! Again, I was pleased with the result based on the training I've put in this year.

Practice more bricks.

Fruit and water at the finish, a little bit of stretching, then taking my bike, etc. back to the car. Helped with some of the course take-down - the racks in transition, and some of the snow fencing. Then off to the athlete's lunch and awards. Happy that two of the athletes I helped coach with cycling classes this winter were top male and female finishers (more due to their natural talent than my coaching). And pleasantly surprised that fellow BTer NLG was second female overall!


Limited training, lack of sleep, and a hint of a cold. And an unseasonably cold spring.


RMC puts on a great race. Well organized and great volunteers.

Results available here:
http://www.resultscanada.com/results2009/2009_IceBreakerTriathlon/2009_IceBreakerTriathlon.htm