Roade Pool Sprint Triathlon (27/09/2009)
I did the Roade Pool Sprint Triathlon today. It was my 2nd Sprint distance triathlon and I really enjoyed it. I can see me doing a lot more Triathlons on 2010 
I got up at 0615, left my house at 0635 and got to the school at Roade at 0650. I thought I would be one of the first competitors there but actually the car park was already pretty full! The air was very cold and there were patches of fog, but it was dry and there was no wind, so conditions looked good.
Roade Sprint Triathlon - 0700 hrs
I registered, then walked back to my car to fetch my bike and kit, then set it all out in the transition area. Then I saw my parents who were there to see me compete for the first time. I also saw a couple of people from Team MK and Brian from work.
By 0800 the sun had come out, the fog had disappeared and it was feeling quite warm – very good racing conditions.
Swim:
At 0815 I entered the pool area and sat with 3 other competitors who would be starting at the same time as me. I think they have 3 people in each of the 4 swimming lanes at the same time. One of the marshals have us each a chip to wear around our ankles and some instructions for the swim. We were to do 18 laps.
When it was my turn (along with the other 3 people starting at the same time as me), I jumped into the pool (which was warm). Then I was given a 1 minute, then a 30 second notice – then we were off… The first 25m went okay, I was breathing on every 4th stroke (on my left side), but I quickly got tired so began to breathe on every 2nd stroke. Then I got really tired and tried not putting my head under the water, I had to stand up a few times, etc. Half of the lane was really shallow, which actually made it hard to do breast stroke because my legs kept hitting the floor.
Plus it was hard to keep track of the lengths. I think I got it right though (I was counting every 2 laps, i.e. up to 9). So on my 9th lap I looked over to another lane where I saw someone who had set off at the same time as me stop (I wasted about 10-15 seconds doing this). That was confirmation enough for me, so I got out and ran towards the transition area.
Bike:
My hands just weren’t working properly after the swim, so it was hard to put my race belt and helmet on; but once on I ran with the bike to the bike out area.
After crossing the bike lane, I got on my bike and tried to slip my feet into my shoes – which wasn’t easy. Nor was it quick or easy to put them on. I wasted at least 1 minute trying to put them on, while slowly cycling along the road. I really need to get some Triathlon cycle shoes.
The first few km’s were hard because I was recovering from the swimming (poor swimming technique meant that I had worn myself out too much) but after that I got into it okay. Once going I saw 1 rider about 100m in front of me – very distant, so I tried to catch him up slowly. I was catching him up slowly but then he stopped to talk to a marshal, I don’t know why because he looked like a good competitor and wasn’t in any trouble.
Then I proceeded onto Stoke Bruene where I went a little too fast over a small bridge which is followed by a sharp left. I couldn’t stop (left a skid mark with my rear tyre) and ended up in the other lane, which had a large Land Rover in it, heading towards me! So I went around the right of that and carried on. Going through Roade there was some traffic, but nothing that slowed me down too much.
I was feeling better on the 2nd lap, however I had to slow to a crawl on a few occasions because of traffic (cars) and horses.
During the bike stage I overtook quite a few people and was not overtaken at all.
At the end of the bike stage I dismounted, took off my shoes and ran to the transition point. The bike racks were not numbered on this end, so I went to the wrong rack which cost me some time. Once I had found my place, I racked my bike and put on my running shoes.
Run:
This started badly as I assumed that the run out section would be near the bike out section (as both exited the same school gate), so I ran towards that. However I then realised that the run out section was on the opposite corner of the field, so I lost some time there.
I had thought that the course was going to be at least half off-road, so I had bought my trail shoes, however it was mostly on-road. Another thing to put on my shopping list is a pair of Triathlon running shoes with a quick-lace system.
I found the first few km’s quite tough, I didn’t really get into a good long stride or breathing pattern for the whole running section (just lack of practice recently do to doing the 3 Peaks training and lack of running training), I even walked in some places which I didn’t in my previous Triathlon (or in the half marathons I have done!). However I still managed a good sprint finish which got a good response from the crowd who clapped for me
Also at the finish, the 2 commentators said my name and said that I was from Team MK. They also said some other things (like well done, good finish, etc.) but I wasn’t really listening.
During the run stage I overtook a few people and was only overtaken once.
Then I gave my chip to the marshalls and grabbed some water and banana.
Result:
I finished in around 1:20. I will post my official times here when I get them.
Overall:
I think that looking for confirmation of swum laps, traffic, poor transitions, getting lost in the transition area (looking for bike rack and looking for run out) and putting bike shoes on cost me around 5 minutes.
My swimming is rubbish, with some training I should be able to be at least 5 minutes faster.
My running should have been ~3 minutes faster, I have just been out of practice recently.
My cycling was okay. More practice will bring the times down. Being a Techie and into new gadgets and new kit, I’m sure I can get Nathan to persuade me to buy some new kit next year.
My transitions were not good. next time I will note where the biking and running out points are as well as keep a mental note of where my rack is.
I need to buy a pair of Triathlon cycling shoes and a pair of Triathlon running shoes – I will get these next year. I should also but a road cycling helmet (I am currently using my mountain bike helmet).
I think a time of close to 1 hour would be achievable for me next year – after I have had some swimming lessons and get serious(ish) on the training. If I could give up cakes and chocolate that would be a real boost (or I might just buy a lighter bike instead – same diff right?).
I am looking forward to going on holiday in Italy next week. It will be the first time I have gone away to do something relaxing (for the body at least, maybe not the mind) in years!
October 13th, 2009 at 22:29
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