Despite record high temperatures in New England this weekend, the sad fact is I’m facing the end of my triathlon season. As a result, I find myself reflecting on what I have learned this season. Here’s my list:
- Swimming in a pool or lake does not prepare you for an ocean swim triathlon. OK, this seems fairly obvious. I swam in three ocean water tris last season and found the swim challenging but not impossible. So I thought I was safe to simply practice in the pool and the lake. Unfortunately, my prior ocean swims were in calm bays. When I did the Vineyard Warrior last month, I swam the rough waters of Inkwell Beach in Oaks Bluff. I hate to admit it but I was so seasick I almost puked. One of the kayakers asked me if I was OK. This despite the fact that swimming is my best discipline.
- Riding up hills is my biggest challenge. I live in a hilly area and ride them all the time, but I constantly get passed during races. Maybe my form is bad. Maybe it’s because my Athena-sized body is holding me back. I do easily zip pass all those skinny triathletes on the descents, so there may be something to that theory. I got passed the most during the Pirate Tri, so I’d like to give props to Maine triathletes. They are hardcore!
- Placing in the top three is awesome if you can manage it. While doing the Westborough Sprint Triathlon this August, I was keeping track (as best I could) of my fellow Athena athletes. My goal was to somehow place in the top three–something I’ve never done before. During the bike I figured I was probably the 3rd or 4th Athena. But in the last half mile of the bike, I was suddenly past by two Athenas. I got so mad that they were ruining my plans! I wound up running my fastest 5K ever and I past them back, resulting in a third place Athena finish.
- Top 3 Athena – Westborough Sprint Triathlon (that’s me in the yellow)
This photo brings me to my fourth point:
- Looking good in a triathlon photo is not possible. I keep hoping that maybe those next set of professional photos will finally get it right. Well guess what? It never happens. The photos are fine. It’s just me that looks bad. And who wouldn’t after swimming, running and biking? Triathlon is just not a glamorous sport.
So what lessons did you learn this season?
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