15th Annual Tri for Real - TriathlonSprint

I was in the second wave, so I had a chance to see the first group of competitors take off without having to wait around too long. They did start late (7:30 instead of 7am). The water was very comfortable. I was very strong in the swim, and besides a few errant swimmers crisscrossing in front of me or stopping in front of me to get their bearing things went pretty well. The pre-race routine really helped me stay calm.

Push myself a bit more on the swim, but otherwise it was good.

Found my station pretty quick, changed into shoes and bike gear, and got on the road. I didn't put my gloves on in the transition area - something I wish I would have done instead of struggling with it on the course.

Put my gloves on before I got on the course.

The course was fairly simple and flat, and the volunteers were great at directing us. We did two laps, and with the absence of anyone checking riders, I believe a number of competitors decided to skip out on the second lap (people who I knew never passed me and in later heats were in front of me on the run). One big mistake - I did not eat or drink enough on the bike. I really pushed it hard and passed about 5 people for every 1 person that passed me, but with my large size (6'8", 250 lbs) I did not doenough to stay fueled and hydrated (see run below). But otherwise the bike went really well.

Ease up a bit to save energy for the run, hydrate, take an extra energy gel pack,

Got off the bike, quickly racked my bike and was off on the run.

Drink and fuel

Here's where it got interesting. About 50 yards after the run started my hamstrings started cramping on me. It was this time that I realized I hadn't had more than about 12oz of water during the entire race (just in the zone and didn't think). Also had only taken 1 gel bar - not enough for a guy my size. I slowed up and spent about 30 seconds stretching my hamstrings and then slowly started up again. Whil tender, they did not cause more significant problems (thank God). The course was hilly and criss crossed all over the place, but was very scenic and the volunteers were very helpful with kind words of encouragement. With my cramping and energy issues I slowed up a bit on the run to make sure I wouldn't run my way out of the race. However, I did end up making it without having to stop. As I crossed the finish line after a hard push, my left hammy cramped like nobody's business, and it took all my willpower not to double over at the finish line.

HYDRATE PROPERLY!

Went over the to the snack and water table. Not the best setup - racers and their guests were lingering around the table, which made it tough to get at. After gulping down some nourishment, I took a nice long stretch in the grass, got changed and hung around for the awards ceremonies.


Proper hydration and fuel.


Good race for beginners. The organization was a bit loose, and it showed when competitors were skipping out on portions of the bike race. The race started late, and the post race festivities were kind of bland. And no timing chip meant no timing each leg of the race (only overall time) But the course and weather was beautiful, the volunteers were very helpful, the bike route was staged VERY well, and I did enjoy the challenge. It was a good warmup for my oly race this saturday!