Triathlon update

Did my first triathlon on Sunday. It was a sprint distance: 1/2 mile swim, 10 mile bike, 5k run. Totally doable. But....

My swim was awful. I had a plan, and as soon as I hit the water, it flew out the window and was replaced with a mild panic attack. Awesome. I was flailing around, all technique disappeared and I blew myself out, badly, by hyperventilating. While most people were putting in times of 11 - 12 minutes, it took me 15. Not insurmountable to finish respectably, especially with the bike, but not a good start.

I made up time on the bike, averaging about 21 miles an hr, which is decent. I could have pushed it harder, sure, but I am still so new to competition that I don't really have a good idea of how to pace myself throughout an entire race. I wanted to push, but I also didn't want to be completely wasted by the time I started the run that I sabotaged myself either. It was probably the swim that made me nervous. I exited the water drained, breathing heavy, and not feeling well.

My run portion was decent, though. I averaged a 7:15 mile, slower than the 6:30 pace I did for the 5k I ran in May, but I had wicked cramps this time as I started. I didn't take a lot of water during the bike ride, but I had swallowed some water during the swim. When I started the run, I ate a few shot bloks. And then, ugh......For the entire run I did not feel well at all, but I powered through, thinking and reminding myself that 3 miles isn't very long and it would be over soon.

And you know what? It was!

I crossed the finish line with a time of 1:09:39, 63rd overall, 54th for men, and 9th for my division (M 35-39). My transitions were very good for a 1st timer, less than 2 minutes from swim to bike, and about 45 seconds from bike to run. Overall, I was pretty happy with my times, but I know I can do better next time. And yes, there definitely will be a next time.

Triathlon diversion + notes about swimming

The wife and I are participating in a sprint triathlon this weekend. Should be fun.

The only part I'm worried about is the swim. It's only a half-mile, but just like the 5k I did a few weeks ago, I have no idea how far that actually is because I've never swam (swum?) that far. It's the same as the 5k because I don't run and I had no idea how far 5k was and when i should/ could really push myself without blowing myself out for the finish.

So we went to the pool last night to practice technique, and what struck me was how fast the wife is in the water. She blew me away. And I think that's great, because it made me realize that we're both good at different things. Where one of us is not so good in one area, the other will pick up the slack. A triathlon training session turned into a marriage realization.

I am better at the bike, and when the wife started to bike I thought I was being helpful by providing lots of advise. Instead I was unconsciously patronizing her. Not that she didn't do the same to me. I know how to swim, just like she knew how to bike. It's just that we were trying to help the other advance as quickly as possible so that the other could keep up. I think we've both realized that we're good at some things, competent at others, and some things should just be left alone.

Anyways, the triathlon is this Sunday. I am focused on finishing with a decent time. 1/2 mile swim (~25 minutes), 10 mile bike (~25 minutes), 5k run (~25 minutes). I am aiming for 1:15. We'll see if it happens.