Rage in the Sage - Sprint Distance - TriathlonSprint

Since this was a mass start it was absolutely crazy. I couldn't believe how many people started the swim out with breast stroke and backstroke. I was getting hammered and kicked. Everytime I tried to take a breath I would get water in my face. So I had a mini panic attack. I felt clausterphobic and couldn't get a breath. I don't think it helped that the water was a lot colder than last week's race. I tried going on my back to catch my breath, but that just made me dizzy so I side stroked for a while until I could feel comfortable again and got the green bouy back in target and then off I went. The rest of the race went extremely well once we all spread out.

I have no idea how to get over that first part other than maybe get closer to the front so I can be with those that are primarily freestyle swimmers.

I walked most of the way to my bike. I have a hard time getting over the wobbly feeling after swimming. I felt like a drunken sailor.

Try and get my balance better so I can actually run through the transition area.

I felt very comfortable on the course and was amazed that I could make it up the hill towards the visitors center and I wasn't even in my lowest gear.

I never could quite get my legs comfortable running. I did a lot of running/walking for this segment. Having a full bike course makes a big difference in how fresh your legs feel for the run. I did do much better though at the half way point after using the port-a-potty and hydrating. It helped me to reset and then I was able to run most of the way back.

I need to practice more "full" brick workouts so I can get them more comfortable with the transition from bike to run.

I had some recoverite and stretched while cheering on the rest of the competitors.


I need to train A LOT more. I think the brick workouts will help with the swim to bike transition and the bike to run transition.


This was my third race but a completely new course so there were some different challenges that I experienced. I need more practice swimming in very cold water so that I don't feel so clausterphobic and constricted. Once I got into the deeper water, it was warmer and that feeling went away. As I approached the shore, the water was definitely colder and I could feel that constricted feeling coming back.