Matt Gilmartin's Group- FULL (Page 3)

Anyway, on the wetsuit- I'd suggest going with something inexpensive for your first one. I originally picked my first one up @ a tri shop in Parker, CO- I think I spent $80 on it. Sleeveless Neosport- pretty bare bones, but it worked for me. Last year as I jumped up to 70.3 I finally invested in a decent one. I have the Xterra Vortex 3 with sleeves. This suit is wicked fast- the buoyancy is incredible. I want to say I paid about $250 or so for it? And it's worth every penny! Please keep asking away everyone! I hope all your training is going great!

Good morning everyone.

Matt, I was actually just getting the official results of my biathlon (yes you read that right) before I wrote the report.

We had 5+ inches of snow and ice on Saturday morning so by Saturday evening, the organizers had torpedo'd the biking portion.  Unfortunately, I'm most comfortable on my bike but I decided to do what was in front of me.

Super cold morning.  It was 9 degrees at start time.  The transition was inside the building housing the 25 meter pool.  We ran first as to not be outside with wet hair, etc. in the cold.  The next one is the same, with us swimming last.

I'm not a fast runner and with the cold, it was brutal.  Wore my tri swimsuit with running tights over the top and wool socks.  On top, an under armour type undershirt, biking jersey and windbreaker and a knit hat on my head.  Was perfectly comfortable, temperature wise, but had to navigate several slick areas (I see now why we didn't bike).  

Back indoors, to strip off all that gear and hit the pool.  I think I was a little slow but the goal was to finish, not beat any particular time.  Since the pool was 25 meters, we had to circle swim 8 laps for a total of 16 25 meter laps.  My previous best, by self timing was 10:11 and I beat that so I was happy.  I was, however, surprised at how many people weren't paying attention at how to navigate the pool.  I ended up with several scratches on my hands from people backstroking and such right in the middle of the lane instead of hugging the sides.

Overall impressions:  fun as hell but harder than I thought.  Maybe the bike, at least for me, would have been a nice break in the middle as I can bike for days normally.  I assume it will also be a bit easier to transition without 26 pieces of clothing because it was 9 degrees.  The next one is February 21 and I'll be entering that one as well.  For the next one, the bike is 12 miles instead of the scheduled 6 for yesterday and the run is 5k. The order for that one is also run/bike/swim.

The distances and my times and all that:

Run:  3k (1.86 miles)  10:17 pace 18:30.4
Bike:  cancelled due to weather
Transition:  1:45.2
Swim:  400 meters 10:07.6
Total:  30:23.2

Last in my age group but I really don't care.  I also didn't finish last overall, which was a bonus  

Nicely done, Jeff!  Sorry- I'm travelling for work and have been neglecting this.  I think you're pretty darn brave to sign up for a tri in January!  I do indoor ones to keep myself in shape, but beyond that I wouldn't consider doing one outdoors!  I really think your times were pretty decent considering this was your first race.  A 1:45 transition from run to swim is pretty darn good, too.  And as far as the swim- that type of behavior is all too common in the sport!  Just wait until you do a race with an OWS- talk about getting knocked around!  Regardless, congrats on the finish.  Did you enjoy yourself enough to do another one?

Run: 33:09; 10:42 pace

Bike: 48:37; 14.8 mph average

Swim: 9:41

We had temps in the mid-40s so I did it in shorts and long sleeves. Overall happy with my results but thought for sure I was faster on the bike.

My bike average is officially listed at 14.8 MPH but I was certain I was moving much faster and my bike computer even said so. In any case, I passed about 10 people during the biking portion so felt good.

Set a personal 400m best so tickled with that result. Still some craziness in the pool, just like last time. Had to actually go around a guy using the wrong side of the lane because he simply refused to get out of the way. Passed 2 swimmers as well so felt good.

Next one in this series is March 28, and I plan on doing that one too.