Race Report: My First Triathlon

*Spoiler*

I didn’t drown. My tire didn’t go flat. And I didn’t trip on the run.

I think I have a new love. Triathlons.

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I picked up my packet with no issues. Walked up, showed my ID, and got my swim cap and rules for the race. Nothing fancy, but super efficient and friendly.

We met up with my cousin, her hubs, Aunt, & Uncle for a quick bite to eat and to spend some quality time.

But quality time can only last so long when you have to wake up at 4:30am. And if you are like me, you wake up before your alarm on race morning. 4:27am– so nice to see you

I got all inked up, my gear all set and then nervously scoped out everything for the thirty minutes prior to start. I started talking to the two people that set up gear next to me. Asking about the swim and where you finish at and how you come in and exit for transitions. I kept trying to reset my Garmin because it died that morning and besides practically doing CPR on it, it was a goner. So then my mind was really racing! How am I going to pace my run? What about my intervals or what if I decide not to do them? How will I be able to tell how long I have been biking for?

Sheesh.

Swim

Then it was time to enter the holding area before the swim. I was racing with the 40-44 Age Group plus the Athena’s. We would be doing 600m’s in a lake although I heard from a few with the Savannah Tri Team that it’s a little longer than 600m. No biggie. I enjoyed the swim, really relied on my arm strength to pull hard and save my legs. The only thing I was not prepared for was on this girl that kept swimming into me, then I would go more to the right, and she would swim on top of me again. Part of me wanted to just dunk her, but I didn’t want to be a butthead

I came out towards the front of our heat and we even had some from the heat before us, finishing just before. My goal was to hit under 10 min- but I came in at 13:15.

Bike

I ran to the transition (thanks Mary for the tip!) and splashed water on my feet (great idea to bring a 5 gallon bucket with water to dip feet in and towel to dry off, then sit on your bucket!) and got my socks and sneakers on. What?!? No clip in, snazzy shoes. Nope. And my bike has a kickstand. OMG. Yes, a kickstand. Obviously, I don’t have a real deal Holyfield bike but it does the job. Just possibly not as efficient as other bikes.

So off I went. I was feeling good and getting into the grind. And then I reached for my water bottle.

And while I was putting it back in the holder, it slipped out of my hand and under my bike. And I rolled right over it. Thankfully, my sturdy bike didn’t make me spill out over the course. So I politely pulled over (is that correct bike lingo?!), kicked down the kick stand, and ran back for my water & nuun!! Hey, it was only mile 4 of 12 and it was getting hot. And apparently I am not the only one with bottle issues, I counted 4 other casualties on the course.

The bike course was great, around the Park and then some street riding with only one gradual, small hill. I really enjoyed it!

Goal- 50 min. Actual- 52:50

Run

I really wanted to rock the run. I had done a few bricks to get my legs used to pushing on tired legs. But I am apparently Garmin dependent.  The run took us back through a portion of the bike course then around a shaded path (thankfully)! Not much to say on the run, except I kept looking at my Garmin expecting it to magically turn on. And yes, I wore it for the bike & run just in case that did happen.

Goal- sub 36 Actual- 38:58 (ouch)

Transitions

I had no clue what I was doing. But apparently I made quick at whatever I thought was a good idea. I didn’t have the 5 gallon bucket I mentioned above, but a coffee cup with water and the ground to sit on. I took in some of a Honeystinger Waffle before the bike and a bite before the run.

T1: 2:40

T2: 1:23

And I definitely almost ran off with my helmet still on. Yep. I am that cool.

Overall

My goal for my first triathlon was to finish, have fun, and learn more about a new sport. I am pretty sure I accomplished all of that. Plus to get in some killer cross training for running.

Goal- sub 1:45 Actual- 1:49:05

I am stoked. Not bad for my first! I know that I need to have more time with my booty in the saddle. I just don’t like to cycle, but I need to get over that. Plus maybe when I go to open water swims with the Savannah Tri Team I can work on elbowing people. I kid, I kid.

But apparently my time was good for my first award in sports ever. Ok not ever. But first award in Top 3. Although I did get a blue ribbon for tennis once. But that was the day that no one showed up at the club, true story.

Yep! My 2nd Place Athena Division Mug!! Whoop Whoop!

And what’s even more exciting is that about 4 other Savannah Tri Team and Savannah area athletes podium’d too!

So after a quick shower, the family and I all went out to brunch. And I brought my coffee cup. Yep. I am that girl.

Thank you to all the volunteers, race staff, etc for the day. You all were AMAZING!!! Rock stars I tell you. I love the race and will be back again.

Want to TRI? I would 100% recommend this race. Small, kind, flat & fast. Find out more HERE.