I did my first triathlon sprint - actually, my first race ever, a week ago
in Clark Lake, MI. It was a half mile swim, 13 mile bike and 4 mile run. I
was pretty nervous when I saw how far the buoys looked, but I knew that
would happen from reading articles on this site. I loved the excitement in
the air as I mingled with the other athletes.
After hopping on my bike and heading out, I realized that I had a few mechanical things going on that slowed me down. My nerves had clouded my mind before the race or I probably would have caught them. After about mile 5, I realized that no one had passed me in a long time and that I was coming in last. Many runners told me that that was their worse fear. When the realization hit me, I still felt great. This was my first time and I just wanted to finish.
And finish I did - With two nice blisters and some sore hamstrings, but a happy heart! The volunteers and other racers were very friendly and cheered me on. I felt great at the finish line and now, armed with all the "this is what I would do different" knowledge, I intend to do another tri next year.
What a great sport! Thanks, triathanewbie for all the advice leading up to the race. This Web site is a great resource that I have recommended and will continue to recommend to friends.
Sherry from Michigan
Swim - Get the low-down on wetsuits and swim suits, find info on safe water workouts and read tips for training and events.
Bike - Learn how how to structure bike workouts, find safety tips and read recommendations on great bike gear.
Run - Get the ultimate skinny on running sneakers, running gear, safety tips and much more.
Transitions are the times between the swim and bike and the bike and run. Any time you are in the transition area, you need to know how to get through it without wasting time. Here are some suggestions:
- Setting Up Your Transition Spot
- Triathlon Swim Transition (T1)
- Triathlon Bike Transition (T2)
- Triathlon Run Transition - There is no Run Transition, just a Finish Line!
- Follow Lainey's Training for her 1st Triathlon
- Triathlon Race Day Checklist
- Find a Mini-Triathlon Event
- Mini-Triathlon FAQ
- Triathlon Race Day
- Swim Cap Troubles?
- Need to Change a Flat?
- Dealing with Blisters?
- Indoor Triathlon Swim (video)
- How to Avoid A Frightening Start:
Think Out of the Pack (video)
There are NEWBIES Starting Triathlons Every Day.
Today Just Happens to be YOUR day!
