General Discussion Triathlon Talk » thank you BT, things I learned today Rss Feed  
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2006-04-15 10:09 PM

Elite
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Laurium, MI
Subject: thank you BT, things I learned today

well today was my first Triathlon EVER!

It was awesome.  I had an absolute blast.  500yrd swim, 9 mile ride, 2.25 mi run.  So it was a short guy.

One thing that struck me hard, was that after the run, a guy came up to me and asked me how many tri's I had run.  When I told him it was my first, he didn't believe.  So I started thinking about exactly how much this site has prepared me.  Not only training wise, but with all the stupid little nuances.  Things like what to wear, how to set up your transition, how to leave the shoes on the bike.  Through all of your misfortune examples, I had a very solid first race.  So thanks a lot.

Some things I learned that required experience to be a teacher:

1. No matter how many times you practice transitions, it's different on race day.  I practiced my swim to bike transition a ton, but the added adrenaline and fatigue from the swim with the added shakyness from the cold and the difficulty of wet feet make it COMPLETELY different. 

2. Getting your feet into the shoes on the bike is only half the battle.  Mounting the bike while running is am entirely different skill, that I apparently have yet to master.

3. NEVER discount the effects of adrenaline.  Good and bad.  It sped my swim time up by a good minute but also slowed my transitions.  I'm beginning to think good transitions are muscle memory as well.  You have to do it without thinking.

4. Triathlons are hard.  Seems like a stupid realization, but with such short distances I figured it wouldn't be that bad.  I'm beginning to see that it's a zen thing.  Triathlon is not swim-bike-run, it is triathlon.

5. Triatletes are hardcore.  This goes with the last one.  I don't care who you are.  You can be an elite athlete or one of the people that sidestrokes the swim and leasurely rides their Hybrid Beach cruiser for the ride, you are hard core.  Just finishing a race is something to be proud of.  It's one of those things that you can never realize until you do one. 



2006-04-15 10:16 PM
in reply to: #397434

Master
1534
100050025
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today

Really? it was your first? and you've been on BT how long?

*applause!*

2006-04-15 10:56 PM
in reply to: #397434

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Expert
997
500100100100100252525
Littleton, CO
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today

Well put!  Congrats on your first tri!

 

2006-04-16 5:39 AM
in reply to: #397434

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Master
1557
10005002525
Maine
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today
Congratulations! I'm also surprised it was your first since you've been around BT for so long, but hey, nothing like being prepared!
2006-04-16 6:58 AM
in reply to: #397434

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Champion
7704
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Williamston, Michigan
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today
Congrats on your first race
2006-04-16 8:32 AM
in reply to: #397434

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Veteran
184
100252525
Nebraska
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today
Great job, and I enjoyed reading the race report. I learn a ton from those when they are thorough like that.

Kevin


2006-04-16 8:55 AM
in reply to: #397524

Elite
3650
200010005001002525
Laurium, MI
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today
well I joined in the off season, so this is literally the first race I've had a chance to do.  And yea, I believe there is no such thing as overkill.  I'm competative by nature, so I don't really like the idea of setting my goal at "just finishing."
2006-04-16 8:56 AM
in reply to: #397434

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Expert
702
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Manchester, NH
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today
Congrats, and great observations! 
2006-04-16 9:02 AM
in reply to: #397434

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Master
1573
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Red Sox Nation
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today
Yea MATT!  Excellent overview!  So glad you had a GREAT time!
2006-04-16 10:39 AM
in reply to: #397434

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Elite
2661
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DC Metro, slowly working my way to NC
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today
My first is in just under a month - I am looking forward to it even more now!
2006-04-16 10:51 AM
in reply to: #397434

Pro
4054
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yep,
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today

Nice Tri Matt.  I'm waiting for the Race Report... curious how you did with the time.  I can sort of compare myself to you maybe?  My race I had a lot of problems with the transitions and being not too prepared for the run after the bike

 

but congrats 



2006-04-16 10:51 AM
in reply to: #397487

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Master
1938
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La Crosse
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today
huskyboy - 2006-04-16 6:39 AM

Congratulations! I'm also surprised it was your first since you've been around BT for so long, but hey, nothing like being prepared!


Hey, don't pick on the man. Some of us are just . . . methodical. Late bloomers? Slow starters? Something like that.

My first tri is June 6 -- I joined BT at the exact same time I was packing up my life and moving cross country, thus disrupting my entire summner, then I've trained through the off season and now I'm FINALLY ready to start on my first full race season.
2006-04-16 11:35 AM
in reply to: #397434

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Master
1557
10005002525
Maine
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today
Not picking - I meant that seriously - there's nothing wrong with being well prepared and tearing it up your first time out. Great job Matt, and good luck stupidnickname!
2006-04-16 12:01 PM
in reply to: #397434

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Master
2231
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Des Moines, Iowa
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today

Congrat's and good job!  Thanks for sharing those observations.  It's those types of comments that help me know how to better prepare. 

2006-04-16 1:32 PM
in reply to: #397434

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Elite
2552
20005002525
Evans, GA
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today
Friggin awesome dude! Welcome to Triathleteland, population...YOU!

Vortmax=Triathlete!
2006-04-16 2:19 PM
in reply to: #397434

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Science Nerd
28760
50005000500050005000200010005001001002525
Redwood City, California
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today

Yeah!!  Congratulations on finishing your first triathlon.  I like all of your observations - especially the one about adrenaline.  That one always seems to get me.

 



2006-04-16 3:48 PM
in reply to: #397434

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Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today
Hah! And all this time I thought you were a veteran triathlete. I've been learning stuff from you! Kudos on finishing your first tri.

From your logs, it looks like you did a pretty decent time... not surprising, since your fitness in all three sports is excellent. Keep it up and you're going to absolutely kick arse this season
2006-04-16 5:07 PM
in reply to: #397434

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Veteran
251
1001002525
Burbs north of Chicago
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today
Congrats, glad to hear you had such a great first race.  I guess you will have to give up those ridiculous first timer stories most of us carry, but good for you.  I totally agree with all of your points.  That's part of the reason I'm anxious to get to my full second one (June 3).  No doubt we will learn by just doing races, but BT is a great way to help give yourself the best chance to be successful.
2006-04-16 9:55 PM
in reply to: #397434

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Master
1506
1000500
Minnesota
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today
Wow - congratulations! and thanks for the tips...
2006-04-16 10:01 PM
in reply to: #397434

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Pro
4909
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Hailey, ID
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today
Congrats on the first race. Now where is your race report?
2006-04-16 10:05 PM
in reply to: #397802

Elite
3650
200010005001002525
Laurium, MI
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today
i'm still waiting for official results to come in.  They said today, but I'm thinking no one wanted to work on it over easter, so I'm hoping for tomorrow


2006-04-16 10:13 PM
in reply to: #397434

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A very cool place in Colorado :)
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today

 

*WOO-HOO*!! congratulations!! just hearing about it makes me all anxious to do my first tri -- i cannot WAIT! thanks for the mental notes and good luck on your next one!

2006-04-17 1:16 AM
in reply to: #397434

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Extreme Veteran
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Highlands Ranch, CO
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today
vortmax - 2006-04-15 10:09 PM . . .

4. Triathlons are hard.  Seems like a stupid realization, but with such short distances I figured it wouldn't be that bad.  I'm beginning to see that it's a zen thing.  Triathlon is not swim-bike-run, it is triathlon. . .

That's actually a profound statement that probably belongs in a signature line somewhere.  Thanks for posting.

And hey!  Congratulations!

2006-04-19 9:04 AM
in reply to: #397434

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Arch-Bishop of BT
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Pittsburgh
Subject: RE: thank you BT, things I learned today
Wow... congrats! Your post has me looking forward to my first tri in August. I told my wife last night that despite being months away, I am already getting excited about the tri.

Of course, when she asked about our second child being due in six weeks, I mumbled something that sounded affirmative...


Peace,
Brian
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