My results... what went right, where I could have done better (nothing went wrong), and should I do another in two weeks?
I felt strong the entire way. The full report.
As I approach a race three times the length, I need to think about where my strong points are, and where I need to improve.
I also need to decide, very soon, if I want to do the Quakerman Triathlon olympic distance in two weeks near Buffalo. The pros and cons later in this post.
But first, the results!!
- Overall time: 1:47:21
- 820 yard swim: 24:00 (3:12 per 100 yards)
- T1: 3:12
- 13.6 mile bike: 50:00 (16.56 mph)
- T2: 2:00
- 3.1 mile run: 27:40 (8:55 minute mile)
- 168/260 overall, 55th of females, 12/20 in my age group
What went right:
- I felt very prepared with the transitions, and was pleased with my transition times! I was expecting at least 5 minutes in T1 but I was just over 3 minutes. Used some tips from Mary Eggers that helped!
- Running was my strong suit of course!! I finished very strong.
- Glad I did so much spinning and practiced hills on the bike. The hills on this course were nothing!!
Where I could have done better:
- It was my third time in open water, so clearly I need more practice! I was happy with my time, I was hoping for under 30 and I did that. I need more practice spotting, I felt like I was zigzagging a lot and probably swam much further than 820 yards!
- Again more open water practice! I missed having that wall where I traditionally take two pants on before I turn around (maybe I should have learned flip turns...) I found myself out of breathe a few times and switched to breaststroke.
- I could also stand to practice more swimming with other people. There were no unfortunate incidences, the people in my wave were wonderful, but I could definitely stand to work on it!
- Had some calf pain on the run. Need to foam roll and stretch like a madwoman this week.
- I should practice mounting and unmounting on the bike some more. It was a little hairy, not terrible.
- I should probably get my bike form evaluated. I was fitted on the bike, but I've gotten off the past few times with slight back aches.
- I should have warmed up more. I thought two and a half hours before start time would be a long time but it went fast!!
- I didn't get any photos! Jealous of everyone else's!
Rookie mistakes:
- I forgot transition closed! I had to ask one of the guys inside for my swim stuff. Fortunately he was cool about it! (And I knew where my bike was, third from the bag drop, yay!)
- Bringing too much stuff. Now I know what I'll need and what I won't need.
So, the Quakerman Triathlon is in two weeks, there's an olympic distance, and I need to decide quickly if I want to do it or not. The pros and cons of another race...
Pros:
- More race day transition practice!
- More open water swim practice with other people in open water
- It looks like a smaller race
Cons:
- I'll lose another week to taper, and another weekend where I could be doing a long ride
- I could use the registration fee elsewhere!
Of course, since the part I really really need practice on is the swim, maybe I could get a relay team together and just do that part! Or the aquabike... hmmm.....
I'll think on it a little bit!
