Daffodil and JuniperJen’s New Parents Tri’ing Group - OPEN (Page 14)

Ok it is official I have completed my first Triathlon ! This past Saturday I competed and finished (up right) a Try a Tri here in Welland ON. What an incredible experience, to have family and friends wishing me well and to have a huge cheering section the day of the race. To see my older daughter running along the grass beside the course as I sprinted to the finish line, to hear her little voice giving me encouragement and saying "don't stop now Dad". From a spiritual side what an uplifting day.... my body was so tired but my spirit was overflowing. To share this with my kids and family and co workers and friends.... WOW.

Now to switch gears and talk analytically about my race..... I need more open water swim practice..with a suit! The swim (400 meters) was far more challenging then I planned for. I can swim in the pool at the YMCA till the cows come home but the minute I got in the open water it was a different thing entirely.

The transition to bike went well and my bike (10Km) was acceptable. I didn't log enough training time on my bike , on the road. I have some room for improvement in becoming a bit more fluid while I ride.

Transition 2 was when I really started to feel the fatigue. Could have used a bit of a pick me up prior to starting the run, I really felt like the tank was empty. The first 1 km was pure me not giving in to my body and then the last 1.5km was me in the zone.

So what's next? I am going to find a club with a great coach to give me the knowledge I lacked this time. I will continue to train for what ever is next.


Thanks to everyone from the board for the advice, articles and encouragement

Chris

Great report Chris,
Congratulations on your first Tri. Practice makes perfect bud. Just have to practice every discipline untill you start to feel like you got the hang of it. This is my 3rd year in Tri and I am just now starting to feel comfortable in OWS.

Good Luck to you, and hire a coach if you can afford it.

Todd

I have been MIA for quite a while, but I always love reading all the posts.

I just wanted to say that I have officially singed up for my first sprint. It's in August and I'm really excited!!

It's a pool swim (300 m), 12.2 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run. Scared and excited all at once!

For my first sprint ever I was considering buying a tri suit to make my transitions easier and just so I have less to worry about. Any suggestions on a reasonably priced, good quality brand?

Thanks!!

Hi,

Gratz on signing up for your first tri! I would recommend going to a local store which sells Tri gear and trying on a few to see which ones you like the most. I have one from Zoot, and another from Castelli. Both are good, but I like the pockets on the Zoot shirt as they are wider and deeper. The Castelli shorts are very comfortable though. It is just a matter of preference of what you like, and what feels good on your body.

Hope that helps.

Dan