Statesville Rotary Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

I am a decent swimmer so I was pleased. With 10 sec intervals, I thought that would be enough time to keep everyone mostly seperated but the RD didnt count on the person doing the breastroke by the 3rd lap. We were stacked up 5 deep waiting to pass. (Please try to submit an accurate time when registering for a pool start). Finally did pass her and was running up on other people so for the last 3 laps just stayed in line and coasted. Swim time could have been quicker had I not had to do that.

Get in front of the breaststroker. Considering that I have only swam twice this year, I am pleased. Wasnt tired at all.

Didnt realize this was so slow. I took the time to dry off, put a shirt, socks and shoes on. I guess I forgot this was a race and had no sense of urgency. This was also my second tri ever and my goal is to finish, so really I wasnt sweating it.

Practice. Get in a hurry. Is this where I need to say HTFU?

Keep in mind I am riding a clunker. A 1983 throwback that I was riding when I met my wife...when I was 15 years old. (Thats right, Im old school). The course was described as "gentle rolling hills" and "moderately hilly". Two words...my arse. Maybe about a half mile was flat and the rest was hills. And it was a loop course so whatever was down was up on the way back.
Going in, I really thought I was a lot stronger on the bike but you cant tell it. I do need to increase frequency and intensity of training. That was a given and this course brought that out. There were a couple large hills and one killer with about 1-2 miles left that just spent me. And to top it off, when I finished the last big hill and caught my breath, I switched from small ring to big ring and my cable snapped. So I am in the small ring until that is fixed.

Train more. Especially on hills. And I really need to look at getting a new bike. Eventually the cost of repair will exceed the cost of a new one.

Coming into T2 was just glad I didnt have to climb another hill. Just decided to catch my breath, get a drink and settle down. Took a few seconds to stretch hammies out a bit. All I really had to do was rack my bike and put belt on but still took too long.

Practice.

My legs were fried from the get go. Tight, tight, tight. I really should pay attention to training plans and do bricks. The course was good and not too difficult. There was only one hill that had to be done twice. I walked a couple times on this hill. I also had to walk just to catch my breath about 1/2 mile into run. I noticed this on the bike too. I have a hard time settling into a good pace. The finish was in a shaded park and was nice.

Not walk on the course. I just have to get more consistent with training. I know that is what it all comes down to.

Walked around, drank Gatorade and water. I did have a section of a turkey sandwich and a banana. So I had that going for me.


I have been too inconsistent with training. I tried to make my own training plan and it is obvious that didnt work. And I missed too many days of training. A day here and a day there adds up. If I can finiah these races with the training that I have been doing, I can improve greatly if I pick a plan and stick to it.
And I REALLY need to look at getting a new bike.


This was only my second tri and at this stage my goal for these things are simply to do my best and have fun. As training improves and I get more races under my belt, I expect better results. I can control the training immediately and will. The races will come and performance will improve.
With haphazard, inconsistent, on the fly training plan, I got what I deserved. Finishing 16/18 in age group and not beating anyone in the next 2 older age groups, I have my work cut out for me. I am realistic enough to not expect a podium, but I can improve.
On a side note, thanks to the volunteers. This was a small race but everyone was very supportive.