Memorial Herman Houston Triathlon - TriathlonOlympic

The first lap was good - got off to a good start, remained calm knowing that the group would thin out as we rounded the first turn buoy. 2nd half of first lap was good - clear water to swim, so I got into a rhythm. Got out of water (large step, glad I didn't stub my toes!). Ran the short distance to get back to the start. Since I've never practiced driving into the water with my goggles on, this wasn't the time to start, and as the drop off was steep, I did a fantastic belly flop! Moved into the main lane of traffic and again, was back in the congestion of the swimmers from the wave which just started. Didn't like all the bodies I had to swim around, especially during the second half of the 2nd lap. (Thought I was in a wrestling match!)

I should have tried to stay wide on the 2nd lap, so stay away from the congestion. I kept finding myself in the middle with swimmers on either side.

Long run to T1. I just tried to maintain a good steady pace without over taxing myself. Was proud I was able to run the entire distance, which means I didn't over push myself in the swim!

Was somewhat slow once I arrived at my bike - putting on socks, shoes, and getting some water and electolyte pills.

I was pleased with my results as I wasn't sure how much effort the long run would tax me -Next year when I do this course again, I will try to push my run a little faster.

Also, need to find a more efficient way to take my electrolyte pills while on my bike.

2 modified lap course - heading out of transition, had a tail wind which felt good, and allowed me to get up to speed quickly and settle into a rhythm quickly. Heading west, noticed the cross wind and just worked on keep a constant cadence. Turned north and the headwind was noticeable, but tried to stay low and fight through. When I hit the turn around, the tail wind was sweet - felt great until my friend passed me like I was standing still - this motivated me to push it a little more even through I knew I wasn't even 1/2 way through the course. On the second lap, I pushed myself more, especially when I had the tail wind. Was tired by the end, and the last .75M eased up and let my legs spin and eased up my heart rate.

My goal for the bike was to keep my HR below 160 - I did this for all by the last 3 miles of the course when my HR went to 164.

Ok

My Goal for the run was to complete course using a 5:1 ratio (Run 5 minutes, walk 1 minute). Legs felt good off the bike and just started running at an easy pace (of course, the cloud cover also helped!) - As I left transition, saw Mark, one of the Katy Fit Coaches - he took a couple of picture and I headed out on the course. It was nice to start the run on the dirt course...Wish the entire run was on this soft surface, but it wasn't to be. Kept pace with a lady who was running an steady tempo (~10/m). When my Garmin beeped for the walk, I almost ignored it, but then remember I needed to pace myself so I took the opportunity to walk. After 1 minute walking, I started running again and the lady I was following was only about 40 yards ahead of me - I was pleased as this provided me with a little better understanding of what distance I was loosing by walking - it wasn't nearly as much as I through.
I starting running again, and the next thing I see my Husband standing on the other side of the run course!! (While my husband is a great supporter of my training and participating in Triathlons, he hates crowds, and therefore, doesn’t come to my events - therefore to see him was such a wonderful surprise!) I ran over and gave him a kiss and told him I would see him at the finish in about 1 hour. I was so excited and pleased: the weather was excellent, I felt great and my husband came to see me!!

The run was wonderful - I followed the 5:1 ratio and felt strong. Just after mile 3, I started to see the lady I originally started with - I was gaining ground on her. By mile 4, I had passed her and never saw her again. I guess this 5:1 ration allows me the opportunity to recover and keep an higher overall pace!

The final 1.5 miles was on the dirt trail around the lake, but it was starting to get hot as the clouds were no where to be found. As I approached the last 1/2 mile, we ran long the pond on the campus, and it took all my effort not to jump in and cool off! However, we were less then 1/2 mile from the finish, my watch beeped for me to walk - the heck with that - I was too close to the finish to walk now - so I tried to pick up my pace (~10:30) and felt great a the finish!

Just walked around trying to find my husband - finally found him about 5 minutes after I finished. We walked around the finish line area and I drank the cold gatorade provided - that was wonderful along with the cold, wet towel.


Overall, I was pleased with my performance - I wanted to finish my run strong as I usually have a tendency to do well in the swim and hammer the bike, then I have nothing left for the run. I know getting in longer runs the past couple of weeks is also helping with my overall endurance.


Really enjoyed this event - plan on doing it again next year!