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Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint) - TriathlonSprint


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Carlyle, Illinois
United States
1863 events
80F / 27C
Sunny
Total Time = 2h 00m 9s
Overall Rank = 68/72
Age Group = 45-49F
Age Group Rank = 3/3
Pre-race routine:

Drove over on Saturday for packet pickup and to check out the area. I've only been to this park once before and that was 25 years ago. Got my packet, checked out the area, and decided to stick around for the Multisport 101 "class" they were having for the newbies. It's not my first tri, but I figured since I was there it couldn't hurt to listen in. Then headed back to the hotel, got some Subway for dinner and just relaxed with a book the rest of the evening.
Event warmup:

I got up around 6:30A, got my stuff together and headed over to the park. Ate part of a bagel on the way over - I'm never able to eat much on the morning of a race. Once I got to the park, I picked up my chip, got bodymarked and headed into transition. I wanted to go check out the water before the start of the race, so got things all set up (at least I thought I did, not realizing I was forgetting one very important thing - more on that later), grabbed my wetsuit and headed down to the lake. The water was a little chilly on my hands and feet, but not too bad. Swam around for just a little while until it was time for my wave to go off.
Swim
  • 17m
  • 500 meters
  • 03m 24s / 100 meters
Comments:

Sprint women were the 3rd wave to go off, about 25 min after the Olympic men and women. Small wave, only 24 of us. I started at the back and off to the side. I'm not sure if it was the chilly water or the newish experience (I only had 1 OWS practice before this), but I had a hard time getting into any kind of rhythm. I wasn't panicking, just didn't feel smooth. Also, I need to work on siting - I got off course during the first 200m. Once I rounded the first buoy, I did better. Still felt a little like I was fighting the water, but just kept my head down and kept going. Felt good to hit the beach though! Pulled my wetsuit down to my hips while going up the hill to transition.
What would you do differently?:

I need more swimming, both in general and in OW, especially if I want to do the Olympic in Sept. Right now I have serious doubts that I could do triple this distance and make it through.
Transition 1
  • 05m 3s
Comments:

Slow, slow, slow. I could not get my wetsuit off! Finally had to sit down and managed to get it off. Shoes and socks on, sunglasses and helmet on. I also took a few seconds to spray myself with sunscreen. Glad I did - the few small spots that I missed got pretty red.
What would you do differently?:

More practice getting the wetsuit off.
Bike
  • 51m 39s
  • 12.4 miles
  • 14.40 mile/hr
Comments:

I hadn't ridden or driven the course, but we were told that it was flat and fast. I was hoping that was true - the temp was starting to go up and there was no shade on the course so I wanted to get out and back as quick as possible.

Started out pretty well but about 1/2 mile out I realized something seemed to be rattling a lot. Hoping it wasn't my tires or anything serious, I looked down - and saw 2 empty bottle cages! Not good - I had forgotten to put my bottles on the bike when I set up my transition area that morning. Considering the increasing heat (especially out on the pavement) and the lack of shade on the course, I knew I could have a problem. I rode on for a while wondering if I should just go back. I decided to continue on for 2 reasons - it was only 12 miles and supposed to be a flat course and also I seemed to be pretty well hydrated (I had pee'd once during the swim and already had to go again). I figured if I just took it easy and not pushed it too much, I might be OK. If not, I could always stop at the turnaround and have someone come pick me up.

So the first 1/2 went pretty well, I tried to keep an even pace, lots of people passed me but I was OK with that. Coming up to the turnaround I was feeling pretty good so figured I could make it back alright even without water. I didn't realize until I made the U-turn and headed back that I had been riding with a tailwind. Riding back was a lot tougher - very strong headwinds/crosswinds. I still tried to keep as even a pace as I could but the ride back definitely took a lot out of me. I finally made it back to the transition area, stopped for a potty break and then got ready for the run.
What would you do differently?:

Not forget my water bottles! Other than that, the ride really went OK.
Transition 2
  • 01m 32s
Comments:

Quick transition since I don't have to change shoes. Helmet off, bike racked, picked up visor, race and water bottle and off I went.
What would you do differently?:

Not sure - went OK.
Run
  • 44m 57s
  • 3.1 miles
  • 14m 30s  min/mile
Comments:

I knew after forgetting my water on the bike that this run would probably end up being more of a walk. I grabbed some Gatorade on the way out of transition and drank that along with some water as soon as I started out. This was not going to be fun. Thankfully the RD added an extra water stop to the course because of the heat so I was able to pick up both Gatorade and water at the 1 mile and 2 mile marks. Between that and the 20oz of water that I was carrying, I was hoping to just get through the run. I walked a lot, running when I felt good enough. On my was back across the dam, I passed 2 runners who were down. One was totally passed out and someone had covered him with a towel - didn't look good but an ambulance was on the way. The other was down but conscious - EMS was attending to him. I really didn't want to end up like that, so I just took my time. It was one of the slowest 5k times I've ever had, but at that point I didn't care - I just wanted to finish in one piece. I did manage to run across the finish and after getting my medal, I immediately headed for the shade and some water.
What would you do differently?:

Under normal circumstances, I think I could have taken about 10 minutes off this run time. Can't change the weather, but next time I need to make sure I have everything before the race starts - no one but myself to blame for that.
Post race
Warm down:

Lots of water and Gatorade, sat in the shade for a while. After I had cooled off some, I went back down to the lake and sat in the water for a while. It may have been chilly when I started the swim, but sure felt good after the race!

During the awards presentation, the RD let everyone know that the athletes that had been transported to the hospital were OK. That was good to hear.

Event comments:

Post race they had cookies, crackers, watermelon and sub sandwiches. Also lots of cold water and Gatorade which was needed considering the weather. Overall, I enjoyed the race and would love to do it again next year.




Last updated: 2010-02-01 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:17:00 | 500 meters | 03m 24s / 100meters
Age Group: 3/3
Overall: 63/72
Performance:
Suit: Blue seventy full
Course: 200m out, 100m across, 200m back
Start type: Run Plus: Waves
Water temp: 70F / 21C Current: Low
200M Perf. Below average Remainder: Average
Breathing: Below average Drafting:
Waves: Navigation: Below average
Rounding: Good
T1
Time: 05:03
Performance:
Cap removal: Bad Helmet on/
Suit off:
No
Wetsuit stuck? Yes Run with bike: No
Jump on bike: No
Getting up to speed:
Biking
00:51:39 | 12.4 miles | 14.40 mile/hr
Age Group: 3/3
Overall: 61/72
Performance:
Wind: Headwind
Course: out and back - advertised as flat and fast.
Road: Rough Dry Cadence:
Turns: Good Cornering: Good
Gear changes: Average Hills:
Race pace: Drinks: Not enough
T2
Time: 01:32
Overall:
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike
Running with bike
Racking bike Good
Shoe and helmet removal Good
Running
00:44:57 | 03.1 miles | 14m 30s  min/mile
Age Group: 3/3
Overall: 68/72
Performance:
Course: Out along the dam, up a hill (what happened to the advertised "flat" run course?) to the turnaround, back across the dam to the finish. Only 1 short shaded area, otherwise very hot.
Keeping cool Below average Drinking
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall:
Mental exertion [1-5]
Physical exertion [1-5]
Good race? Ok
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Average
Race evaluation [1-5] 4

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2010-05-24 10:54 AM

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Expert
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Missouri
Subject: Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint)


2010-05-24 11:16 AM
in reply to: #2878086

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Subject: RE: Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint)
Good job out there Janet.
Sounds like a tough one, but great job sticking it out and crossing that finish line!
2010-05-24 11:21 AM
in reply to: #2878086

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Champion
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marietta
Subject: RE: Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint)
nice work out there janet! congrats!!
2010-05-24 11:22 AM
in reply to: #2878193

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Champion
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Charlottesville, Virginia
Subject: RE: Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint)
Great job with your first OWS race Janet, sounds like it was a pretty rough race, those early season hot ones are always tough.

Congrats!
2010-05-24 11:25 AM
in reply to: #2878086

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Pro
4100
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Wherever the trail takes me, WA.
Subject: RE: Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint)
Well done!!! Congrats!!!

Edited by swbkrun 2010-05-24 11:27 AM
2010-05-24 11:26 AM
in reply to: #2878086

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Master
2621
2000500100
Almaden Valley, San Jose, California
Subject: RE: Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint)
Good job on the rr and the race - sounds like a tough, hot day.  Way to stick it out!


2010-05-24 11:28 AM
in reply to: #2878086

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Champion
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5000500
Frisco, TX
Subject: RE: Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint)

Don't worry, you can do the swim for an oly!  Way to roll with the punches and modify your plan as challenges came up!  Great job!

2010-05-24 11:35 AM
in reply to: #2878086

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Master
2436
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Apex, north carolina
Subject: RE: Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint)

Way to stay strong out there. Congratulations.

2010-05-24 12:01 PM
in reply to: #2878086

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Member
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Subject: RE: Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint)
Good job. I did it also and it was hot.
2010-05-24 12:41 PM
in reply to: #2878086

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint)
Janet,

Great effort in getting through the OWS.  I know exactly what you mean in how that felt.  I am doing my first Oly in September too.  Keep training and you will be ready.
2010-05-24 1:12 PM
in reply to: #2878086

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Master
1539
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Sin City
Subject: RE: Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint)
Smart move with slowing down as needed on the run and not pushing it if you didn't intake any water. :-)

   Extra OWS will help you improve (of course, how many times have you heard that advice), and you'll do just fine in the OLY. :-)

  


2010-05-24 1:22 PM
in reply to: #2878086

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Champion
7163
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Verona WI--Ironman Bike Country!
Subject: RE: Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint)
Great job Janet!  Sounds like you learned a lot and you have plenty of time to get ready for the Oly in September.

As someone who used to struggle with her wetsuit a lot, cut the legs shorter!  Worked like a champ for me.
2010-05-24 1:26 PM
in reply to: #2878086

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Veteran
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Subject: RE: Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint)
I did the Oly and yes - it was very hot. Way to hang in there. Bet that will be the *last* time you forget your fluid on the bike! ;-)
2010-05-24 2:31 PM
in reply to: #2878086

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Veteran
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St. Louis
Subject: RE: Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint)
Congratulations on completing such a tough race! I was there yesterday as well and had a really hard time with the heat. It's better to play it safe and stay off out of the ambulance
2010-05-24 3:24 PM
in reply to: #2878551

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Expert
1007
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Missouri
Subject: RE: Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint)
Frank in St. Louis - 2010-05-24 1:26 PM I did the Oly and yes - it was very hot. Way to hang in there. Bet that will be the *last* time you forget your fluid on the bike! ;-)


Definitely not a mistake I will make again, LOL!  That'll probably be the first thing I check at my next one!

 
2010-05-24 4:04 PM
in reply to: #2878992

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Champion
10018
50005000
, Minnesota
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint)

Oh boy!  That's too bad about the bottles.  Good job seeing it through!



2010-05-24 8:34 PM
in reply to: #2878086

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Expert
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Palm Bay
Subject: RE: Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint)
Great Job... Way to go smart...
2010-05-25 1:12 PM
in reply to: #2878086

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Elite
4108
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Calgary,AB,Canada
Subject: RE: Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint)
Good job Janet. OWS confidence will come with time. Nice warm start to the season!!
2010-05-26 9:11 AM
in reply to: #2878086

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Expert
1797
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia
Subject: RE: Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint)
Great Job Janet!  Way to stay strong through the heat.
2010-05-31 8:26 PM
in reply to: #2878086

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Elite
3072
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san francisco
Subject: RE: Gateway Triathlon - (Sprint)
Terrific job, Janet!  First OWS in a tri is just a totally different experience and you stayed mentally tough and made it through!  We sure do learn lessons at every race we do!  You will never forget your water bottles again... 
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