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East Cooper Coastal Triathlon - Triathlon


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Isle of Palms, South Carolina
United States
Charleston Triathlon Club
63F / 17C
Sunny
Total Time = 2h 00m 33s
Overall Rank = 98/182
Age Group = F 25-29
Age Group Rank = 3/11
Pre-race routine:

Up at 5am. 2 Eggo waffles and 1 muffin top to eat. Thought about coffee but decided against it. Drove over to the race start with my Mom.
Event warmup:

None really - just set up my transition area and got into my wet suit. We walked .6 miles up the beach to the swim start.
Swim
  • 19m
  • 1044 yards
  • 01m 49s / 100 yards
Comments:

I ran out with my wave and just started going. Swimming in the ocean is SO much different than swimming in a pool. I had to remind myself that I did in fact know how to swim and breathe and sight and once I remembered that I was okay. I started out in front and ended up passing some of the men from the wave ahead of us. I felt really good about the swim. The water didn't feel cold at all and my wet suit was awesome. I definitely recommend the De Soto First Wave 2 piece suit. I also was surprised that I didn't freak out about being out in the ocean like that. We were a good ways out, but I felt okay because there were so many people around me. I also saw that I was out in front of my wave for most of it, so that gave me motivation to keep going faster.
What would you do differently?:

I got carried in a little bit with the current and then had to swim out a little to round the buoy. So maybe try to stay on course a little better.

I also had to pee in the water but I found it difficult to do that and swim at the same time. I think it was like system overload for me in the water with trying to swim and breathe and sight, but eventually I was able to do it. Probably TMI, but I thought it was funny that I had to really focus to pee. Definitely not something I intend to practice in the pool :)
Transition 1
  • 05m 5s
Comments:

We had a pretty long run from the beach to the transition area. I'd say it took me about 3 minutes to run up the beach into the area. I got my wet suit off pretty easily and just had trouble getting my biking gloves on over my wet hands. So maybe I could have cut a minute off here.
What would you do differently?:

Try to run faster from the water and get into my gear quicker.
Bike
  • 49m
  • 16 miles
  • 19.59 mile/hr
Comments:

Awesome bike for me. My bike computer said it was more like 15.4 miles, which puts my average speed at 18.8, but that's still awesome for me. I was passing people on nice tri bikes on my road bike. Always a good feeling :) My goal was to keep my HR under 165, but it seemed to like 173 a whole lot, and I felt good so I kept it there. I kept my cadence up and tried to stay low most of the time. There was a nice wind that pulled us along and I maxed out at 26.5 MPH coming back in over the connector. It was a great ride - not hot yet and a nice breeze.

I had 3 Clif Blocks on the start of the bike and 1 bottle of Heed during the bike. I didn't quite finish the Heed because I accidentally dropped the bottle before the finish.
What would you do differently?:

Nothing really - I was very happy with the bike ride. I did drop my water bottle about 3 miles from the finish. I thought about stopping, but I felt so good about my bike that I didn't want to lose the time. We went back afterwards and it was still there!
Transition 2
  • 02m 7s
Comments:

Came into the transition and got my bike racked and shoes on quickly. I did start running the wrong way out of the transition until I realized after about 10 steps that it was out the other way for the run. Oops!
What would you do differently?:

Remember which way to go :)
Run
  • 45m 22s
  • 5 miles
  • 09m 04s  min/mile
Comments:

The run was hard. My legs were a little tired after the bike. I think the fact that I did a lot on Saturday didn't help, but this was a C race for me so I didn't want to really slow down too much before it. Towards the end my HR monitor died - it went from saying 175 to 90. I knew my HR was not 90. I contemplated throwing the damn thing over the bridge into the water, but didn't. I went the rest of the way based on RPE, but I wish I had the HR info. Towards the end I started using words to get me through - I kept saying the word "strong" in my head over and over. I've been reading a book about the mental aspect of sports and it recommended doing that. I really think it helped, because I was tired by the end. I really tried to emphasize the positive self-talk in my head and throw out anything negative. I also remembered what my Dad told me before the race - that while running and biking over the Connector to look to each side and enjoy the view. It definitely was pretty.

My plan was to have Sport Beans on the start of the run, but I wasn't feeling it. I shoved some more Clif Blocks into my jersey for the run and had one about 3.5 miles in. I had a sip of water at each of the 3 water stations along the course.
What would you do differently?:

More bricks. More speed work. Having only been running since February after my injury definitely limited me. I haven't been doing any speed work and have really just focused on getting my mileage back up. Running is definitely my weakness and that's where I need to focus. That being said, I was shooting for 9 minute miles and that's pretty close to where I came out.
Post race
Warm down:

Pictures with the support team and stretched a little. Had some Recoverite (blech) and a half a bagel. Then we went to Sullivan's for brunch - had awesome seafood casserole, mac & cheese, and mashed potatoes. Mmmmmmmmm - it was so good.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

Training - definitely need to work on my running. My time goal for the race was 2 hours, and I came in 33 seconds over that. I was very happy with my performance overall, and I got 3rd place in my age group. Too bad I didn't stay for the awards to get it! That will teach me to leave early :)

Event comments:

Awesome race. Beautiful weather and a great time of year because it wasn't too hot yet.






Last updated: 2006-12-13 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:19:00 | 1044 yards | 01m 49s / 100yards
Age Group: 2/11
Overall: 68/182
Performance: Good
Suit: De Soto
Course: Out around 3 buoys and back in. Swam with the current so that made it easier.
Start type: Run Plus: Waves
Water temp: 62F / 17C Current: Low
200M Perf. Good Remainder: Good
Breathing: Good Drafting: Bad
Waves: Average Navigation: Average
Rounding: Average
T1
Time: 05:05
Performance: Average
Cap removal: Good Helmet on/
Suit off:
No
Wetsuit stuck? Yes Run with bike: Yes
Jump on bike: Yes
Getting up to speed:
Biking
00:49:00 | 16 miles | 19.59 mile/hr
Age Group: 3/11
Overall: 91/182
Performance: Good
HR stayed between 170-180
Wind: Some
Course: Out over the Isle of Palms Connector and back in and down across the Breach Inlet and back. Only 1 hill over the connector and then coming back - the rest was flat and fast.
Road: Smooth Dry Cadence: 88
Turns: Average Cornering: Average
Gear changes: Good Hills: Good
Race pace: Hard Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 02:07
Overall: Good
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike Good
Running with bike Good
Racking bike Good
Shoe and helmet removal Good
Running
00:45:22 | 05 miles | 09m 04s  min/mile
Age Group: 5/11
Overall: 114/182
Performance: Average
HR was in the 170s until my HR monitor decided to die.
Course: We ran out of the transition area and on to the beach. I think it was maybe .5 miles along the beach, which was beautiful to see the ocean while running. Then out over the connector to the finish. Only major hill was over the Connector.
Keeping cool Good Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Good
Mental exertion [1-5] 4
Physical exertion [1-5] 4
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Good
Race evaluation [1-5] 4

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2007-04-22 10:30 PM

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Expert
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Smyrna, GA
Subject: East Cooper Coastal Triathlon


2007-04-22 10:31 PM
in reply to: #772272

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Expert
931
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Smyrna, GA
Subject: RE: East Cooper Coastal Triathlon
Pictures are here .
2007-04-22 11:06 PM
in reply to: #772272

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Elite
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Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Subject: RE: East Cooper Coastal Triathlon
Nice race.  I couldn't image trying to pee while I was swimming, that would be pretty hard.  Seems like you hit all your goals.  Congrats.
2007-04-23 6:35 AM
in reply to: #772272

Veteran
294
100100252525
Atlanta, GA
Subject: RE: East Cooper Coastal Triathlon
Great race!

Congrats on the crazy fast swim, bike and run (they all seemed pretty dang fast to me).

After looking at the race pics, I think we should move all of our tri's out there. It certainly looks like a prettier swim than the murky cold lakes around here.

Definitely call and get your hardware.

Josh
2007-04-23 7:30 AM
in reply to: #772272

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Veteran
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1002525
Subject: RE: East Cooper Coastal Triathlon
Fantasic race M

I am so happy to hear you had a great race...I guess all that pool time payed off as your swim time and bike time were really fast. Heck I even think your run time was pretty quick.

Great job! Maybe next year I will actually make it down for that one.
2007-04-23 7:56 AM
in reply to: #772272

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Regular
57
2525
Bristol, CT
Subject: RE: East Cooper Coastal Triathlon
What a great report and AWESOME race, you did so well Meredith, that is friggin' awesome!!!!! You totally kicked *ss in the swim, passing guys in the wave ahead of you? How cool is that?? A great average speed on the bike (loved the dropping the water bottle story, that's priceless), and a fantastic run time. That's a great running pace too, you did soooooo well!!! And an AG award to top it off, so glad you had such a kick *ss race, very very good job!!! Oh, what happened to the leg tape?

Great pictures too, the scenery down there as well as your parent's house is just gorgeous! What a great weekend! A big congrats!!!


2007-04-23 8:28 AM
in reply to: #772272

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Expert
882
500100100100252525
Marietta, GA
Subject: RE: East Cooper Coastal Triathlon

Great race - congrats on getting hardware at your first race of the season! Awesome!!

I can't imagine swimming AND peeing at the same time, I think that would definately be hard (why is that?!). I don't think I'm that coordinated!

Nice jersey - you represented our club FABULOUSLY!!

2007-04-23 9:30 AM
in reply to: #772272

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Veteran
199
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Smyrna
Subject: RE: East Cooper Coastal Triathlon

Congratulations and awesome job!!!  Terrific start to your 2007 season!

Your race report and pictures were awesome.  It so cool that your parents and Sam were out there to cheer you on.

2007-04-23 9:30 AM
in reply to: #772272

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Expert
862
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BFE
Subject: RE: East Cooper Coastal Triathlon
WAY TO GO!!!!! 3rd in AG? Congratulations! Beer is on me at Taco Mac next time.
2007-04-23 9:39 AM
in reply to: #772628

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Master
1201
1000100100
Woodstock, GA
Subject: RE: East Cooper Coastal Triathlon
Wow! You were zooming! I am impressed! I like the pictures too.
2007-04-23 10:01 AM
in reply to: #772272

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Master
1888
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Winder, GA
Subject: RE: East Cooper Coastal Triathlon
Wow Meredith, you kicked some serious tail at this race! Awesome! And this was a "C" race? Folks that are racing with you at your "A" race better watch out! Nice job with the hardware, hopefully your mom can get your award! I loved the pictures, what a beautiful place to have a race!


2007-04-23 10:40 AM
in reply to: #772272

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Master
1249
100010010025
Atlanta, GA
Subject: RE: East Cooper Coastal Triathlon
Awesome job!!!  I got all pumped up about the season reading your report!!
2007-04-23 10:47 AM
in reply to: #772272

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Master
1432
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Woodstock
Subject: RE: East Cooper Coastal Triathlon
Incredible! Hardware on a "C" race Surprised!?! I am so impressed. You are going to have a great season this year! Congratulations again
2007-04-23 11:41 AM
in reply to: #772272

Extreme Veteran
597
500252525
Atlanta, GA
Subject: RE: East Cooper Coastal Triathlon
Congrats on a great race! You did awesome! I'm sorry you didn't stick around to find out you got an award... but I saw the results so no award is needed to prove to me that you placed and did so in fabulous fashion.
2007-04-23 1:26 PM
in reply to: #772272

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Pro
4507
20002000500
Simpsonville, SC
Subject: RE: East Cooper Coastal Triathlon
Congratulations!!! Next time, think positive and stay for the awards just in case . Well done, ITB issues and all!

Pam
2007-04-24 9:46 AM
in reply to: #772272

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Champion
5529
500050025
Nashville, TN
Subject: RE: East Cooper Coastal Triathlon

HAHAHAHA Meredith peed in her wetsuit.  Ok, had to get that out of the way. 

Congrats on a great race!  I know you must be thrilled with all your progress over the past few months.  So when are you turning pro?  



2007-04-25 12:55 PM
in reply to: #772272

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Veteran
168
1002525
Acworth, Georgia
Subject: RE: East Cooper Coastal Triathlon
Great job, Meredith.  Keep up the great work!
2007-04-26 10:48 AM
in reply to: #772272

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Master
1845
100050010010010025
Athens, Ga.
Subject: RE: East Cooper Coastal Triathlon
Girl, a "C" race and you got hardware? Awesome job! You are going to rock this season! I am so proud of you! And I'm changing my race schedule so I don't have to race you. hehe.
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