Tri It Triathlon - Triathlon

Water was cool enough that wetsuits were allowed, but not necessary. Most people swam with a suit, including myself. However the suit was borrowed from a friend whose frame is smaller than I. Swim started fine, I felt quick and smooth, but once I start running into people I had problems getting going again. The swim was broken down into thirds (out, across, and back) and in the second third I was worried of a DNF. But I used the backstroke to rest, and breathe, and I unzipped my suit to allow for better breathing and movement. In the end I finished, and there was a time I didn't think I would.

I need more time in the pool for my next Tri, I also need either no wetsuit, or one that fits properly.

Transition was not very good. Getting out of the wetsuit was no problem. But I was using a lycra compression shirt, not a Tri top or a Cycle top and it stuck to my skin. I was very tired coming out of the water and didn't have a real good order of operations to do things.

Figure out exactly what I will do in transition and PRACTICE. If something does not work (like the lycra shirt) figure something else out.

My worst performing part of the Tri. I ranked lower here than anywhere else. I felt pretty good, and I tried to ride at a good pace. But being my first, I rode on my old hybrid bike. Very heavy, not aerodynamic. It did not feel good to see guys in their 50's, 60's and 70's blow by me like I was standing still.

First off, more time on the bike. But also, I got a new bike the week after this race. It is a lighter, modern road bike, and having that bike alone has cut about 5-7 minutes off of my time. As I said before, I also need more time on the bike. Some longer rides at a slower pace, and shorter sprint rides.

This started to turn the whole Tri around for me. I ran in clips with my running shoes, so it was real easy to get my helmet off and rack the bike. The only reason my time wasn't better is cause I took about 30-45 seconds to do a quick stretch. I had the idea in my mind (no idea if it's right or wrong) that the stretch would help make up that much time on the run.

I would run more bricks so I don't have to do the stretch, also just practice the transition, getting in and out quickly.

The first 1/4 mile was the absolute worst. My legs felt numb and jello like coming off the bike. But I quickly gained my legs back and set a good pace, I was able to push through some of the fatigue. I had enough left that I picked up the pace significantly in the final stretch.

Top half finish wasn't too bad. For the next time I would spend more time running, but also spend some time running sprints to get some better conditioning.

Took the time to stretch the muscles out, then picked up some early lunch provided at the event. Chatted with some other participants.


1) Lack of Training - The last month especially I was very busy with work and personal things, so my training was not as intense or consistent as it should have been. My cycling and swimming were neglected most, and it shows in the results.
2) Equipment - I didn't want to spend a huge amount of money, so some of my equipment may not have been ideal. Mainly I was held back by my bike.
3) Transitions - I didn't practice them, so I ended up with at least 1-2 minutes in transition time I could have cut out with better efficiency.


This is the Piranha Sports coordinated Tri-It Triathlon and it was an amazing experience. The level of organization, presentation and preparation is very professional and surprising really. The people there are very nice and easy to talk to. It was a very comfortable experience for a first time Tri runner.