Strawberry Fields Triathlon
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Strawberry Fields Triathlon - TriathlonSprint
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Swim
Comments: OK after this experience, I'm going to take an open water class. I'm lucky that I'm not scared of the open water in principal, but I had a hell of a time getting through it. Since I was in the last wave, I got to see what everyone else went through. Some of the groups were getting really high waves (ours seemed - from my perspective, at least - to have a barrage of big ones). Also, the current was taking people north and the course was around the south side of the first bouy. When we went, I first ran south down the beach a bit and then went out to attack the waves. I started out pretty well, but I didn't make it through a really big one, which picked me up and tossed me around a bit before depositing me almost all the way back on shore. It seemed like I was in that wave forever, and lost my breath a bit. OK, so I just had to get out past them. The water past the waves seemed calm. So, I fought me my through waves. Diving through one after another, and never really getting a chance to catch my breath. Finally, I was halfway to the first bouy, and I was panting and gasping for air, but getting several mouthfuls of water. I was happy there were so many rescue people around. The thought of not actually being able to make it crossed my mind. I couldn't freestyle-- I couldn't even breaststroke -- I just couldn't leave my head in the water that long, adn I needed to breathe. From shore, I had seen waves breaking almost as far as the bouys, so I knew I had to make it out to it as quickly as I could. Backstroke for a few seconds, sidestroke, sort of freestyle with keeping my head above the water. At last, I made it to calmer water, and was able to catch my breath and could start to freestyle, rounded the second bouy and started swimming back to shore. I passed a few people on the way. I got picked up by one last wave on the way in, and that caused me to lose my breath for the run back to the transition. I MADE IT. That may have been one of the hardest things I've ever done. What would you do differently?: Learn how to get through waves. I need more open water experience. Transition 1
Comments: There was a long run up the beach, and I was about halfway before I remembered to start undoing my wetsuit and take off goggles and swimcap. (I was still out of it from the swim). But, because it was a long run, so that didn't hurt the time at all. I was planning on putting on socks, but decided not to take the time to do it in the transition to save time. Bike
Comments: I was on my mountain bike. I felt good. I've never been on a flat course with no lights. What would you do differently?: Get a faster bike. Transition 2
Comments: Went well. What would you do differently?: Drink some water. Almost forgot my race number. I've got to put it in a more conspicuous place. Run
Comments: Funny, I felt like I was going slow compared to my 5k races. However, it turned out to be a PR. Cool! What would you do differently?: Wear socks. My feet actually bled in places. Ick! (Okay, they say never try anything new on race day, and I've never run without socks before.) Drink more before. I felt thirsty. I grabbed gatorade at the first aid table by accident, which always bugs my stomach almost immediately. Post race
Last updated: 2005-03-13 12:00 AM
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2005-03-13 3:31 AM |
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2005-03-13 10:47 AM in reply to: #129106 |
2005-03-13 3:03 PM in reply to: #129106 |
General Discussion-> Race Reports! |
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United States
70F / 21C
Overcast
Overall Rank = 299/537
Age Group = 35-39 F
Age Group Rank = 7/25
Got there early because I didn't know how long it would take me to set up. Plus, this was my first tri and I was nervous. Went to look at the water. The waves didn't look that bad a couple hours before the event.
Ran for 15 minutes to warm up, and got into the water about 15 prior to start.