June 10, 2006
i, triathlete
i really want to get this race report written before i head off to take a nap, so, with heavy eyelids, you'll excuse me if i miss something or if the grammar is horrible. today was my first triathlon, the la tri championship series at bonelli park. why i chose an olympic distance as my first race? i'm not sure, but that's what i was in for.
so, starting at the beginning, i rolled out of bed at 4am, ate my oatmeal, grabbed my gear and was out the door by 5am. the park was supposed to be opening at 6am, and i wanted to get there early so i could check out the all the other athletes and how they were setting up their transitions. i rolled into the park right at 6am and there were only a handful of folks there, so i had plenty of time to check things out. i grabbed my race gear and bike and picked a primo spot right near the bike exit.
no one else seemed to have their shoes clipped to the pedals, so i nixed that idea and just staged them on the ground. although, i think i may revisit that at some point. my shoes have the newer clips and they're more difficult to walk/run on than the older style. i fiddled with my gear for a bit, eyed other racer's layouts, but didn't really see anything that made me change my plans. so, i headed to the restrooms and waited for my folks to show up.
mom & dad arrived close to 7am so i chatted with them for a bit, hung out down by the water and then headed over to the start. the water was quite warm and since i don't own a wetsuit, just decided to go with what i know and wear my tri top and shorts. the whole group swim had me a little spooked at first, but after getting some advice from fellow rbf'ers, flipperhead and trizilla, i was ready to tackle it. i was in the first wave, which also had me a little freaked out, but if anything, i've learned to take the race you're dealt. the national anthem played and at 8:30, the start was sounded.
i quickly waded into the water, dove in and started swimming. the mass of flailing arms and legs was quite overwhelming, and even though i'd been toward the back of the wave, there were guys crawling all over me. what a madhouse. i couldn't get my head down into the water to swim my normal stroke and breathe normally, and within 100m my heart rate was through the roof. i wasn't so much panicking as i was hyperventilating. i remembered what flipperhead had said about switching to breast stroke when you need to regulate your breathing, so i did. a couple minutes went by and i was still feeling like i couldn't breathe and, well, like a fish out of water. the thought went through my head that if i didn't get my hr under control and get my breathing to normal, i was going to end up with a dnf, hanging onto one of the lifeguards surf boards. i switched between sidestroke and breast and eventually was able to get my face back in the water and start into my slow, steady stroke.
at the same time i got my hr under control, the second wave launched and within minutes i was being overtaken by the faster masters athletes. at least this time, though, they'd already spread out a bit and i was able to keep my steady stroke and not feel too out of control. by the time i hit the first buoy, the women had been launched and the elite gals had caught me. as i was sighting, i noticed that i was one of the last guys in the first wave. oh well, i just wanted to get through the swim without a dnf.
i rounded the last buoy and was beginning to feel 'on' and began doing my best to hold my place and overtake some of my fellow wave-mates that were near me. unfortunately, i needed to void and that slowed me down a tad, but by the time the shore was within sight i was back to holding my own. i remembered what warren had said about kicking hard to get some blood into the legs before hitting the shore, so i combined my finishing push stroke with a powerful kick and was able to pass at least one other swimmer. hurrah for me!
a little dizzy, i jogged into t1, toweled lightly, wiped off the feet, and grabbed my gear and bike and was off. it felt so good to be flying along and able to breathe easily. i checked the hr monitor, and i was sitting right at a comfortable 152. the bike course was a 3x hilly loop around the lake with a couple short, challenging climbs. shortly into the first loop, the elite guys started passing me on their second loop. i'm pretty confident that i wasn't passed by anyone that exited the swim after i did, or if they did, they sure did have expensive bikes and were moving pretty fast. i powered up all the hills, but rode by hr and tried to keep it below 160. i began reeling other riders in, and it felt good to be moving back up through the ranks, rather than getting creamed. on the last loop, i pushed pretty hard and hammered up the hills, passing quite a few folks. on the big downhill, i hit a top speed of 40mph. i don't think i've ever gone that fast on a bike before. it was scary and exciting.
i cruised into t2, feeling really good. i'd taken a gu at the start of the bike and during the 3rd loop and realized that i'd better take a third during the run or i'd run the risk of bonking. fortunately, i had a couple extras, so i grabbed one, threw on the shoes and was off for the run. the trail wound tightly around the lake, through some really rough single track and onto access roads. i began reeling in runners quickly. it seemed that everyone i passed was struggling through the run, or at least they weren't pushing at all. i took a gu at the second water station and by what i think was mile 2, i was feeling fresh and ready to finish strong. i continued to fly along, passing runner after runner and when all was said and done, i'd passed probably in the range of 30-40 people, and wasn't passed myself.
there were no mile markers, so i wasn't quite sure what my pace was, so again, i ran by hr and tried to keep from going into the 170's. i was amazed at how good i felt and kicked strong when the finish line came into sight. based on the mini training tri that i'd done last friday, i figured that i'd roll in somewhere right at 3 hours, and that finishing time felt like a decent effort for my first exploration of the sport. i was excited to see my watch sitting at 2:49 when i crossed the finish line, and i was excited too, that the legs had plenty of juice left in them. i really felt like i'd just warmed up on the run and was ready to put in some serious distance.
i cooled down, ate some boy scout bbq chow, chatted with my folks and then headed home. i really think i'm hooked on this. this is such a challenging sport and that swim has me really riled. i want to conquer that thing and get to where i'm able to get through the start without feeling out of my element. also, i know i'm slow in the water, so some effort in form and speed should pay big dividends. what a great day and a great race it was. so, the first thing i did when i got home was to pull out the usat sticker that comes with the annual membership and put it on the back window of the car. yeah, it's showy, but dangit if i'm not excited to be able to call myself a triathlete now.
Posted by jeff at June 10, 2006 2:03 PMComments
way to go jeff, great race and nice report! after surviving the swim you really smoked it and you must be keen to work on the weaker elements now ;-)
Posted by: Mike Power at June 10, 2006 4:00 PMIs that what happens after Boston? Moving to the dark side? Huh Jeff, come back to us . . .
Posted by: Sooooze at June 10, 2006 4:07 PMNice going Jeff!
That's a very respectable time for a first tri. Can't wait to see where you go from here.
I can relate to your feelings about the group swim, but looking at your time for that leg you seem to have handled it well. I can't even swim that fast in a pool!
Both the swim and bike legs of the race would freak me out. Fear of getting swamped in the water, and fear of a group crash on the bike makes me nervous when I think about training up for my first tri. I guess at least with the bike leg I can get used to it by riding with a cycling club every once in a while.
I know you're tired, but I thought I would point out that the distances don't add up : you logged your tri as 46.7km, but 1.5 + 40 + 10 (+ transitions) makes it at least 51.5 (perhaps 51.7 with t1 and t2?).
In case you haven't checked, I made a slight adjustment to the pub view to show triathlons a little better. I'll think of ways to reformat it and prettyatise the data if I get a chance over the weekend.
http://www.breakingthetape.com/wt/wt_pubview.php?wt_id=7107
Feels good to have that one behind you. What a great experience - I love how you turn everything into fun.
That swimming business...I just don't know about that stuff. It sounds so out of control. Great job to focus on getting through it.
Congratulations. I bet you'll sleep well tonight.
Posted by: Robb at June 10, 2006 4:49 PMThat was just so fun to read! Congratulations and the first of many, no doubt....do I hear a half-Ironman in your future?!
Posted by: mia at June 10, 2006 5:21 PMSounds like an amazing experience Jeff. Congrats on a great first effort.
Posted by: Scott at June 10, 2006 5:22 PMCongratulations! What an accomplishment!! I hope you fall asleep with a smile on your face tonight.
Posted by: aprilanne at June 10, 2006 5:34 PMCongrats! I hope you had as much fun as I have in triathlons.
It won't be long, and the water will be warm enough up here, too!
Posted by: warren at June 10, 2006 6:16 PMOh, boy. You had me nervous for a bit there, and I was back reliving my horrible swim experience. But you stayed with it, stayed calm, and realized what you had to do... AND you did it! I'm so proud of you. Way to go!
Three words: Open Water Swimming (with a pal, of course). The more time you practice in the open water, the easier it gets. :)
I LOVE what you did what that sticker. I've had mine loosely stuck to my umbrella stand mirror, but I think you may have inspired me to do the same. Very cool.
Soooo, what's next, triathlete? =D
Posted by: 'Zilla at June 10, 2006 6:25 PMExcellent work Jeff. Glad to hear you had a strong race, and more importantly, enjoyed yourself. It really is a tremendous sport.
Don't spend too much time in recovery, though...because I'm gonna start hammering next week!
Posted by: Donald at June 10, 2006 7:11 PMnice work! that swim leg sounds gruesome...but way to tough it out. One day, i gotta try this myself!
Posted by: Jeanne at June 10, 2006 8:00 PMOhhhh, it would have been fun to watch. The swim sounds way to scary to me though. Glad you enjoyed it so much and how cool that your parents were there to see your first tri. Are you ready for the Big Kahuna?
Posted by: darrell at June 10, 2006 10:21 PMwell, the first one is always a learning experience, and you did amazingly well, and you'll get the hang of the swinning thing, I'm sure. congratulations on a great race, even if you're joining the dark side!
Posted by: Thomas at June 11, 2006 3:01 AMJeffro. Congrats on your tri! You long strong in all the pictures. Actually, in the leaving-the-swim one you look a little like some crazy sea monkey...and I don't mean a brine shrimp, buddy.
Swimming would be hard for me too. I can side stroke and what-not for days, but freestyle makes me feel like I can't breath, or am hyperventilating.
Again, good job dude!
Posted by: KAP at June 11, 2006 10:25 AMWow, what a week this has been, Jeff. From a surprise marathon in San Diego, through a funeral, to your first tri. No wonder you need a nap :-)
How cool your parents could be there. Would be interesting to get their reactions to it all!
Posted by: Joe at June 11, 2006 10:54 AMWoo-hoo. Why am I not surprised you aces the run portion and finished better than expected. Your athleticism is amazing, Jeff!
Posted by: Anne at June 11, 2006 4:16 PMawesome jeff! what a great report. you really kicked butt in the run leg. so, how does it feel to be a triathlete?
i can see more of this to come from you. looks like you have caught the bug.
well done and congratulations!
Posted by: Go Girl at June 11, 2006 9:54 PMMr. Triathlete, congratulations and well done! Awesome report too, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Jack at June 11, 2006 11:22 PMCongratulations!!! It is so much fun passing those cyclists on the run isn't it?
Glad you had a good experience and are ready to take on more tri's!
Posted by: Elizabeth at June 12, 2006 8:18 AMmister triathlete huh?! you've crossed over to the dark side man.
you'll always be a runner to me!! ;)
good job on not completely flipping out in the water. side stroke is where its at! hee hee. (like i know. i barely can do two laps in a row w/o needing a time-out to catch my breath!!)
Posted by: a.maria at June 12, 2006 8:22 AManother day, another amazing feat.
Congrats! What's next, steeplechase?
Posted by: chandra at June 12, 2006 10:21 AMCongratulations! Sounds like you had an excellent race this weekend.
Posted by: Dawn at June 12, 2006 10:31 AMwow great race and a fun read jeff! i didn't realize this tri race was coming up so soon for you dude! awesome!!
Posted by: brent at June 12, 2006 3:32 PMVery cool! Congratulations!
Posted by: Marisa at June 12, 2006 5:49 PMWelcome to the club... It's an awesome feeling, isn't it? I was excited after my first two reverse sprints... Now, I look forward to my first straight-up sprint tri in San Diego in October.
Jeff, you taught me so much when you got me hooked on running.. You helped me thru my first marathon and maybe one day we will race in a tri together..
Great report and congrats on the time....
Lori
Posted by: Lori at June 12, 2006 7:19 PMi'm a little late to the party.oops! excellant job jeff. the open water swim is just so different..more practice will help for sure. sounds like you got the bug. once again you made it sound just plain old fun, and you know that's my buzzword!!
Posted by: christine at June 13, 2006 5:48 AMas if you would dnf at anything, you knew you'd kick it! good job even though the swim part sounds very scary. Congratulations! sorry we could make it in time to cheer you on.
Posted by: Deene at June 13, 2006 6:08 AMThank you for putting my fear of the triathlon onto paper... er... HTML. I am SO scared of that swim!!!!
And so impressed that after finishing your first tri all you can think about is mastering it. That's what makes you a great endurance athlete.
I hope you'll keep running, though! I need to look forward to running Boston with you (eventually)!
Posted by: Nic at June 13, 2006 11:12 AMWay to go triathelete! Now if we can just get you to do an ultra you'll be ready to conquer the world. Well maybe you are already ready.
Posted by: Rob at June 13, 2006 2:16 PMWay to go Jeff! Sounds like you did great! Congrats!
Posted by: amy at June 13, 2006 3:03 PMyay, way to go! Congratulations!!!!!
Posted by: angie's pink fuzzy at June 13, 2006 5:20 PMjeff, i think you should take a page out of some of the ultra handbook and start doing double triathlons :)...when you are done running, just hop back into the water and start round 2.
all i can say, buddy, is....nope, i am speechless. you are too incredible for words, my man. congratulations on amazing first race. i see so many great things ahead for you, jeff :)
Posted by: matt at June 14, 2006 12:08 AMWowie wow wow wow!
Posted by: DurtyB at June 15, 2006 7:22 AMYeah baby! That's excellent, Jeff. ALMOST makes me want to tri one myself. ;-)
Great going!
Posted by: mark at June 15, 2006 11:10 AMGreat job, Jeff. You started big, but I started with small triathlons. I am a pretty fair swimmer, but the first time in the water was pretty scary for me too. Still I was passing and being passed in the water. The same was true on the bike, which was not my best sport, and then the run. Wow. Triathlons are fun when you finally get to the run. I love being able to pass all of those people who passed me in the other sports. Again, fantastic job for your 1st TRI.
Posted by: Julie at June 16, 2006 5:59 AMhey--awesome first tri--glad you're hooked...
Posted by: Curly Su at June 18, 2006 3:51 AMWay to go, Bro! What an awesome race for your first and a great report to go with it.
Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Flatman at June 23, 2006 8:52 AMPost a comment