Big Rock Triathlon Race Report

Swim - 1.5k - 25:29
This was the big eye opener for the day. I NEED TO SWIM MORE! Really rough right from the get go. For as much as I want to get fast at triathlon, I haven't been swimming at all. The course was two loops and I was having a rough time on the first lap. I swallowed a good bit of water and had trouble going straight. Pretty frustrating not so much to give up 8 minutes to the leaders but more because it's a shitty way to start a race! 

T1 - 4:02
This was actually tough. A long steady climb up a sandy/grass hill to the transition area. I ran the whole way but was breathing hard when I got to my bike. I forgot my race belt so had to attach my number to my shirt prior to the race. Trying to put this on while wet and trying to take off a wetsuit at the same time made for about a minute of awkward struggle before I got on my bike. More frustration.

Bike - 40k - 1:11:50
New wheels on the bike the day before the race so I was definitely looking good out there but took a minute to get used to. After a bad swim and t1 I was beating myself up pretty bad mentally which didn't help on the bike. A few minutes in I get passed by a "pack" of 3 guys definitely working together, or drafting, which added to my frustrations. It wasn't until the second lap when I put everything behind me and decided to finish strong regardless. My ass hurt, which is a sign I need more time in the aero. And I had some vibration in my wheels at the same point on both laps, not sure if it was wind/road/speed or what but it was scary. Bike average was 20.7 mph which is a little slower than I would like to be comfortable at.

T2 - :40
Fast. Off the bike. Shoes on. Go.

Run - 10k - 44:57
It was hot out for the run portion, but that is usually the case in triathlon. I found my legs quickly and was able to maintain a solid pace for the whole run. I would like to get this distance down to below 40 but was very happy with the effort. I probably ran myself up 10 places which was fun, seeing somebody in the distance and trying to close the gap. By the end of the run I had gotten rid of all my frustration and was having fun. I was tired but felt strong and despite not meeting my goals for the race I learned a lot.

Now is the time to get moving. The middle of June brings the next event of the Conquer the Bear series and IM 70.3 Buffalo Springs. Excited for both these races and eager to GO FAST in both as well. Lot's of work to do before then so best get going!