NEPEAN TRIATHLON (1/30/10)

Woke up bright eyed and with plenty of nervous energy for my first triathlon of the summer season. Generally I was feeling OK. My back had been stiff but I managed to stretch and release it a fair bit in the morning, my legs felt moderately rested, however my shoulders were a little sore (from PT boxing the previous day). With Diana at my side we headed out to Penrith, getting there at around 6am for the 7am start, which I soon realised was too late. The parking was a 15min walk from registration, so I was a little rushed setting up in transition (I only just made it out before they closed the area). As a result I had no time for a warm up of any kind.

As there are so many components to talk about in a triathlon race, I have split them into sections and analysed them below. There were many positives and negatives to come from the race. I will try and work on my weak areas and fine tune my strengths at the Kurnell triathlon at the end of the month. The time and overall placing was OK-ish. In general, I was a little disappointed as I didn't hit many of the goals I had set for myself. In the end it was just a tune up race and now I know where I stand and have a better idea on what I have to do to improve.

SWIM:

Kitted up in my wetsuit, I swam a few strokes before moving towards the start line. Treaded water for a few minutes before the gun went off and it was on. Within 50m I copped a stray arm to the head which dislodged my goggles. Stopped to put them back on and then continued before realising there was water trapped in them. Stopped twice more upon becoming sandwiched between two swimmers who had closed on me. I was putting in a fair bit of effort and was really struggling towards the end. I had a couple of guys swimming near me who I could keep pace with, and I even managed to overtake a few swimmers in the final stages. I probably need to muscle up a bit more to the other swimmers and hold my ground (or water as it were).

T1:

Moved well from the water to the transition area and located my bike quickly. My bloody wetsuit became stuck around my forearms and I had a hell of a time getting it off. Definately not the quickest transition. Popped on the headband, glasses and helmet well enough and took the bike to the course.

BIKE:

After building up some momentum I slipped my feet into the shoes previously attached to my pedals. Was happy with this transition, however with practice I will be able to do it in a much smoother fashion. Legs were tired from cycling within the first km (I know, they should be tired when racing, but so early?), and felt heavy the whole way. Not sure if my bike set-up has anything to to do with it, but I should get it checked out. Struggled to get into a rhythm and cruelley, when I did hit a good rhythm, 30secs later there would be a hairpin turn. Noticed in the 2nd lap that I cycled much faster in an easier gear with a faster cadence. Passing people the whole way (a testament to my poor swim). Was slowed over the 2nd lap going around corners as there were many more people on the course taking up available space. Slipped the feet out of my shoes before T2, however once again I can do this better with more practice.

T2:

Shocker. Ran past my transition set up before running back again and locating it. Must remember to use a REALLY bright towel or some other marker. Got the shoes on quickly and shot out the run exit.

RUN:

Legs were leaden heading out onto the flat 2 lap course. Was not to sure how hard to push as I was already feeling pretty fatigued, however I soon developed a good rhythm. Tried to focus on holding good technique and catching the people in front of me (once again, the result of a poor start to the race). Upped the ante with about 4km to go, and then pushed hard with around 2km to go. Picked up a few more runners who tried to go with me, however I was feeling strong and they soon dropped off. Had a hiccup going into the second lap where I missed picking up the band indicating I was on my second lap. Had a start stop moment, however the volunteer was great, telling me to keep running while she ran beside me to give it to me. Shoes were bloodied and feet were blistered at the end. This was OK over 10k, however I will wear socks for Canberra HIM.

NEPEAN TRIATHLON:

> 1:43.43 (31st overall, 6th in 20-24 AG)

> Swim: 18.08 (210/13)
> Cycle: 51.18 (66/6)
> Run: 34.16 (8/3)

Disapponted with the swim and cycle, however the run was a nice surprise. Compared to the people in the Top 10, I was around 5mins behind on the swim, 5mins behind on the cycle, and 2mins behind on the run. In the end this is only the 2nd triathlon I have completed, so with more racing experience and fine tuning of my training I am sure I will improve. I definately need to spend more time training my swim leg.