East Cooper Coastal Triathlon - Triathlon

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.

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 :)

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.

Try to run faster from the water and get into my gear quicker.

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.

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!

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!

Remember which way to go :)

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.

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.

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.


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 :)


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