Today was my first triathlon against other people in about 11 years. (See below for Simply Stu Worldwide Tri results from Feb.) It was a sprint distance (450 y swim, 13 mile bike, 2.6 mile run) and I was ready. I knew I could do the swim in about 9:30 and run about 9 minute miles off the bike. What I didn't really know was how I would do on the bike leg. I ride alone on rough roads so it is hard to gauge my progress on the bike. I did know that in my training log I see lots of "Easy Bike" entries and no "Bike Interval" entries and my longest ride in about 5 weeks was the race distance. Somehow, I was hoping that my general fitness and race day adrenaline would help me to pull 17 or 18 mph out of the bike.
Weather conditions were good, the air temp was about 64*F and the water temp was about 75*F. I warmed up in the pool a little bit, just to make sure the water was not too cold. We lined up by our estimated times, I got in the 9 minute pack and they started us one at a time in the pool. I took it easy, got passed by a few people, got sandwiched in between people with no where to go, but generally felt great and didn't want the swim to end. I took my time in T1 (2 minutes) to make sure I didn't forget anything and just to savor the moment.
I got on my bike in a light drizzle and started out. I was hoping to hold about 17 mph for the 13 mile bike leg. I started out well, but a little past the turn around, I started to fade. I had one gel with me and had planned on taking it at mile 10. I took it at mile 9 when my speed fell to about 14 mph. It helped a little bit, but I was just under trained on the bike. I finished with an average of 15.8 mph.
T2 was a little bit faster (1:19) because I practice that one a lot when I do bike/ run workouts. When I started running I was a little winded (just from excitement, I think) so I took it easy until my breath evened out. Then I ran as hard as I could until the finish. The only thing that threw me off a little bit was that there were no mile markers. I had no idea how fast I was going or how far I had gone. I was able to guess by how much time had gone by, but that was just a guess. Overall, I had a load of fun and can't wait for the next one.
Here are my results
450 yard swim: 9:28 5/8 in age group
13 mile bike: 49:28 8/8 in age group
2.6 mile run: 23:24 5/8 in age group
Total Time: 1:25 5/8 in age group
The harsh reality: I have not really been training on my bike. I have been using the bike as active recovery for my runs! I need some long ride and intervals in my bike plan. I also think that I could have used 2 gels in the bike instead of 1. We shall see on June 14th!
For pictures of the race go to http://www.timeboxphotography.com/gallery/8367430_MZhVv#P-36-9
I am # 324 in page 36, #475 on page 53, #1008 on page 112, #1010 on page 113, and #1150 on page 128.
Sorry this took so long to get up, but I have still been working even though school is out!
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