Race Report- Sprint Triathlon #6

Race Summary= BEST RACE EVER!!! 

Sprint Triathlon #6

Date: August 16th, 2015
Event: Super Sprint Triathlon (225 yd pool swim, 8 mile bike, 2 mile run)- > Women only!
Time: 1:04:24
(Swim: 4:40 (6th/24), T1: 0:57 (2nd/24), Bike: 33:43 (10th/24), T2: 1:01 (14th/24), Run: 24:05 (18th/24))
Age Group Place (25-29): 12/24! Top 50% :)

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The Swim- 225 yd pool swim (4:40)

Average Pace: 2:04 per 100yd

Well the swim was great, the entry, not so much.  We had to jump in feet first in the shallow end of the pool.  I jumped in a little too aggressively and jammed my toes on the cement pool floor.  I shook off the pain quickly as I kicked, but I did worry the whole time if I had broken them.  Really happy with my swim ranking, 6th best time in my age group!

The Bike- 8 miles (33:43)

Average Speed: 14.2 mph

Before I could begin the bike course, I had to go through the first transition.  The race volunteers were yelling at me not to go so fast, I yelled back, "It's a race!"  My hurrying paid off, as I was the 2nd best in T1, running from the pool to get my bike and my bike gear on, and to run my bike out, all in 57 seconds! I'm doing these shorter races mostly to practice my transitions between the three sports, I couldn't care less that they were yelling at me.  I had my goal in mind and I followed my race plan.

The bike course was easy, except for a heartbreak hill that had to be completed twice, as it was a two loop course.  This hill was so hard that a majority of the racers were dismounting their bikes and walking them up.  I fought hard to stay on mine and got through it, but boy was that tough.  I was again happy with my ranking, 10th best time in my age group.  My baby calves still ache and bother me quite a bit when I am climbing hills.  I also am not as strong as pedaling out of the saddle, as that requires the toe off motion--same one in running, same one in heel raises, and we know that anyone with PTTD, especially those who have undergone surgery are not great at that. I was really starting to feel confident in my performance and proud of what I already accomplished.

The Run-2 miles (24:05)

Average Pace: 12:03 min/mile, Average Speed: 5 mph

Are you kidding me???? 12 min miles in a triathlon?  I swam and biked before this leg. This race has gone from good to great!  Of course, my ranking in my age group is much lower for the run, because 12 min miles aren't fast for the everyday runner, but I have reconstructed ankles!!!  I am so proud.

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Reflection

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE RACE!!! I only signed up for this race to support some of my newbie triathlete friends, something.  It is a women's only race and is catered to beginners. As a more experienced triathlete, I felt a little out of place signing up, but I am sure glad I did.  I probably wouldn't have signed up if I hadn't gone through my ankle surgeries, as I would have thought that I was "too good" for a little race such as this one.  I would have been wrong, it was a great experience.  Everyone was cheering you on from the sidelines, they write your name in marker on your arms and also print it on your race bib (corny, but also thrilling to hear people that you don't know cheering for you by name), everyone was supportive of each other, and it was all about finishing, less about time.  For me, I obviously was concerned about my times, since this was a training race for me, but I was pleasantly surprised to finally find a distance that my ankles didn't hold me back from as much.  Still thrilled on my 24:05 for a 2 mile run!!!

New Swim Team- I'm hooked!

I decided to quit my tri team.  It wasn't working out for me and it hasn't for awhile, but I stayed because it is really the only tri team in town.  There was a "last straw" experience that made it clear to me that the sport I care about the most is my swimming.  Swimming is the sport/activity I can do with the least limitations and I genuinely want to become the best swimmer I can be.  It is and has always been important to me to regain my athleticism after my surgeries, and swimming gives me the best chance to be competitive again.  My former tri team did not have a strong swim component, so it was time to make a change.  Increasing opportunities to be coached in my swimming is a priority for me; therefore, I have joined a second Masters Swimming Team...this is on top of my normal team that meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings during the academic year.  This team swims all year around and has practice sessions on most days. Add this to the list of things I never dreamed about doing, even before my surgeries.  I am a year around competitive swimmer!!! My goal is to transition from 3 to 4 morning swims per week, up to 5 to 6 swims per week by the spring.  Beyond the triathlons that I still have on my calendar for the fall, I am training for the Masters National Swimming Championships in late April/early May.

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Reflection

As much as I love the sport of triathlon, I love competitive swimming more.  It was time to adjust my training schedule and team situation to fit my needs and passion for swimming.  I have a busy and challenging race calendar for the next several months, having races/competitions on the calendar pushes me to stay committed to my training, which in turn keeps me healthy and fit...and keeps my feet strong and functional ;)