The Event:

The event was well run and extremely organized. Check in was smooth and there was enough parking and plenty of people on the ground to assist.  Staff direction during the race was excellent. Although I was nervous being a newbie I did not make any errors on the course because there was enough race officials directing participants. The post race awards ceremony with food was a nice ending to the day. I am looking forward to participating in at least two more DQ events this season: Aug 2 Tri/Du for Autism at Belmar, Lake Como, and Spring Lake, and the Oct 11 Dottie’s House End of Season Triathlon/Duathlon at Island Beach.

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The Course:

The sprint distance included a 1/4 mile lake swim, 15 mile bike and 5k run. The course was billed as fast and flat and it was. The swim was the only negative I can give the course. The lake was dark and muddy with no visibility in the water. This might be tough to overcome for a first timer if you are not prepared for an open water swim. I think most newbies could be successful in a short lake swim because it is calm water and a 1/4 mile is an achievable distance.

Transition Set-up:

I had no real clue how to set up a transition for a race. I based my set up from what I read and observation. I checked the gear my bike was in to make sure I would be able to get going in the mount. I had a crate with a towel over it and a towel on the floor. My strategy was to have a “seat” in place if I need to sit down to put my on shoes or wipe my feet. My running and bike shoes were in front of the crate. Two bottles of water: one to squirt my feet if needed and one to drink. I laid out a pair of socks if I bailed on my sockless run plan. Lastly my bike, helmet and sun glasses perched on my bike aerobars.

The Start and Swim

I was totally nervous as the first wave left. Being untested I had no clue how I was going to handle race conditions. I made my first mistake of the race at the start. I was too far to the inside and was way out in front. When the second wave started I began swimming like I have been training for months but was quickly disrupted. I was pummeled from all sides in addition to being cold and not warmed up. Basically I was pulled, pushed and literally swam over. I was concerned but not panicked. I fought off the assault and tried to get into a rhythm as the swim opened. I didn’t get warmed up until the halfway mark and did much better on the way back. There was a bunch racers at the swim exit so I stood a little earlier than I would have liked. I finished the ¼ mile swim in 9:42 which ranked me in the second half of the racers at 124/204.

Transition #1

I was slightly winded from my swim and jogged through the checkpoint and towards my bike. I quickly moved to my bike and assessed my feet were ok and no water was required. Standing I slipped on my bike shoes, grabbed my helmet and sunglasses and proceed to run my bike to the mounting area. I think I could have done a little better if I was prepared to mount the bike with the shoes in the clips. Running to the mounting area with bike shoes slowed me down slightly. I hoped on my bike and I was off smoothly. I think my transition time was on the top end because I opted not to go with a wetsuit. My first transition time was 1:33 which ranked 68/204.

The Bike:

I really enjoy the bike portion of the race. I felt good and thought I could hammer the bike and have enough gas in the tank to finish the race. The 15 miles included a loop and was flat. I just concentrated on my cadence and did what I have done in my workouts. Since it was my first race experience I was a bit tentative in a pack of riders but felt like I held my own. My 15 mile bike ride was 41:20 with an average speed of 21.8 which ranked 58/204. I was very pleased with my bike ride.

Transition #2

I approached the dismount area and hopped off my bike cleanly. I ran back to the transition area in my bike shoes. While this worked I felt like I was slightly slower than it could have been if I was able to get out of my bike shoes on the dismount. In spite of this I quickly racked my bike and popped off my bike shoes and went right into my running shoes sockless. I took a handful of jellybeans that I stashed and was on my way. Second transition time was 1:08 which ranked 97/204.

The Run:

I ran out of the transition area strong and was on my way. The run is where my race inexperience negatively affected my overall performance. I was about 30 seconds into my run and realized that my heart rate was way too high to sustain for the 5k. I definitely hammered too hard on the bike and should have held something back for the run. I slowed my pace and needed to get my heart rate down. I reached for my jelly beans and popped a few in my mouth. Because I was breathing heavy I wound up inhaling jellybean coating crumbs. So not only was I gassed but now I was choking. I basically coughed my way to the next water station and felt better once I was able to take a quick drink. I was able to get my stride back and headed towards the finish line. My 5k run was 26:49 on a pace of 8:39 which ranked 126/204.

The Finish:

I was so proud to see that finish line and when I saw the clock I knew I had done well. My goal was to finish the race in an hour and half which I thought was a good goal for a first race. My overall time was 1:20:33 which ranked 126/204. I finished 11/23 in 35-39 age group.

Lessons Learned:

I need to spot my race starts more thoughtfully. Until I am a more accomplished swimmer I should stay back and to the outside. In my training I always ride my bike sockless and will do more runs sockless as well. This was a big advantage in my transitions. I will also be much more focused on quick transitions. I could have very easily picked up a minute between both transitions with a little focus. I also need to better pace myself for all three legs of the race and need to make sure I save something for the run.

My Sincere Thanks:

To all of the Western Monmouth YMCA staff who encouraged and supported my effort. Jodi Pelano who helped me organize the Tri-club and Abby who helped me build my endurance in off season spin classes. To the many great athletes (Jerry, Chrissy, Greg, Andy) who have given me tips and advice that was invaluable. I would not have done nearly as well without Coach Tom Manzi who has been a great mentor and coach. Christian and the entire Cycles 54 team who guided me to the right equipment the first time. To Christine from The Shore Runner whose clinics and coaching has been unbelievable. And lastly to David Stretanski whose ChiRunning coaching helped elevate my running endurance to the next level.

I feel comfortable that an Olympic distance is achievable this year. I will never forget my first triathlon and cannot wait until the next one.