Anywho, the race itself was wonderful but I did feel that the event planners were in a little over their heads. There were no shirts when I finished which bummed me out. I wanted to have a shirt to remember this event, you know? But I did get a sweet neon pink swim cap for my wave, and pink anything makes it all better.
I learned a lot from this first triathlon. My bits of wisdom to you are as follows:
1. If the triathlon has a clinic before the race - GO.
2. Swim in open water before the triathlon, preferably in the water you will be in on the day of the race. I went to the pre-race clinic and it made all the difference, mainly because I got in the water. I am a strong swimmer, it's by far my favorite part of the race, but I would never have finished if I hadn't prepared myself in the actual lake I was in for the event. The biggest reason for me was the temperature of the water, which was around 60. When my face hit the water and I was about 50 yards in, I hyperventilated. This is apparently common, but I have never had that happen before. Moral of the story? Get in the water and completely acclimate your body to it. That's only the first part of preparing for the swim, but I felt that it was the most important. Can't swim at all if you're hyperventilating, right?
3. If you need to wear a wet suit in the water, use Vaseline or body glide on the places of your body that have friction with the suit. For me it was the neck, shoulders, and behind the knees.
4. Read up on triathlon training. There are tons of free training programs available out there. I used this one and highly recommend it. I did maybe 70% of the workouts and had little issue finishing the race.
5. Check out your local community college for lap swimming classes if you don't have a gym membership. It is way cheaper than a gym, and you can get great pointers on how to improve your stroke. Dana Daniels, I couldn't have done my triathlon without you. XOXO
6. Check out the event's website for race day tips, a route map, and recommendations. If they say you need a wetsuit, you need a wetsuit. I got mine on eBay for $20 including shipping, but you can also rent one.
7. Remember - you're there to have fun, not kill yourself or anybody else. Don't hit your time? So what? You've finished, and that's a hell of a lot more than most people can say.
My times weren't stellar (splits were 0:24:18 swim, 1:23:37 bike, and 0:50:06 run -- all are including transition time), but I am still so happy. My three goals were to finish in under two and a half hours, finish with no spare energy, and finish running. I didn't hit my time (I finished at 2:38 so only 8 minutes over), but I definitely hit the other two goals. I was POOPED when I finished.
All in all, it was one of the best experiences of my life. I made a huge goal for myself and I accomplished it. This was the most difficult physical activity I have ever set out to complete, and knowing I can do it has made me feel like I can do anything. SO what are you waiting for?? Go out and conquer the world!!!
