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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / race report: ultimate tri

race report: ultimate tri

May 19, 2017      26 Comments

It’s time! It’s time!

So, I’ve been blathering on about doing a triathlon for the past year or so. Everything was on track, until Mr PugRunner threw out a little caveat: he really wasn’t comfortable with the idea of me doing an open water swim.

Womp womp.

I agreed to respect his concerns, but kept looking for the opportunity to register for a sprint tri with a pool swim.

And so, I discovered The Ultimate Tri.

When I mentioned registering, my friend Stacey piped up and said she would go ahead and do it with me. She is always so incredibly supportive and wonderful, and I felt much more confident knowing I would have a buddy there.

Packet pickup was the Friday before the race. I picked up for both of us. We got our bibs, t-shirts and number temporary tattoos. I was literally shaking when I showed up and spent a few minutes talking to the race director, who gave me some really incredible advice.

First, he said to just take my time. He then said that between the setup and the start, we would have time to get in the pool. His suggestion was to get in and do a few easy warm up laps to settle in. That most people hop in and try to hammer it out, exhausting themselves and tanking on the rest of the race. A quick warm up would alleviate those nerves. He also said to be careful on the last stretch of bike, as there was a downhill coming into transition, that could be tricky.

Alrighty then.

I packed my bag on Saturday night. I must have checked it ten times to make sure I had everything. My plan was to wear the speedo bathing suit (and swim shorts) in the pool, and then just pull on the tank and running shorts in transition.

Stacey picked me up early on Saturday morning. We strapped the bikes to the back of her car and made the drive to the Jacksonville Golf and Country Club. When we pulled in, and caught sight of some of the fancy bikes and official tri kits, I started to feel a bit intimidated. This smile is hiding a feeling of abject terror.

We picked up our ankle chips and got ourselves situated. It was my first time racking a bike and setting up transition, and I have to say, I think I did a decent job.

It helped that my bike was at the end of the row, closest to the walkway. Yay for beginners’ luck.

Then it was time for a bathroom run, and to get some pool time. I was thrilled that the pool was heated. With morning temperatures being pretty low, it would have been torturous to get in an unheated pool. Stacey and I found a lane and took on a few nice, easy laps, just as instructed. Immediately, I felt a lot better.

Mr PugRunner and little man arrived and I was really happy to see them before we got going.

And then it was time. We were asked to line up in order of our numbers (except Stacey and I, and some others had been repositioned in the order and were to fill in as instructed at check in) so we could start.

Swim – 300 yard

Swimmers were sent into the pool every 10 seconds. We would swim up one side of the lane, turn, down the other, go under the lane marker and do it again for the entire width of the pool. The race director requested that if we needed to stop for rest, to please grab the next available wall and let others pass, or if we wanted to pass, to tap the foot of the swimmer ahead of us and pass at the wall.

We agreed that Stacey would go in front of me and I would stick right behind her. We were in no rush whatsoever. I just adjusted the length of my stroke to stay right in her wake without hitting her. We passed one swimmer, who then passed us, but then she had to stop again and we went by her.

I felt great. I got a little cramp in my foot in the first few lengths (it always seems to happen), but it passed, and I settled in nicely. When we got to the end of the pool, I felt like I could have kept swimming.

Transition 1

We had to jog a fair distance to T1, which ate up some of our swim time. Boo. I wasn’t really a fan of this part – barefoot running isn’t my thing, especially with the ground being gravelly and gross. However, I dried my feet, got my socks and “cycling” shoes on (I use a pair of very light, non-cushioned Mizuno Wave Catalysts for cycling), pulled on my shorts and tank, got my helmet and shades on and unracked my bike.

Instructions advised us to walk out of transition, so we did.

Cycling – 8 miles

We had pumped our tires before racking the bikes, but I was a little disconcerted when my bike started making a fairly odd sound. Within the first two minutes of the ride, my chain popped off and left me spinning aimlessly.

To be honest, I would have had no idea of what to do if Stacey hadn’t been there. We pulled over, she popped the chain back on (getting a fair amount of grease on her in the process) and we were able to get back to work.

The ride was nice. It was the first day in a while without wind, and I felt great pedaling along. She was right behind me the whole way, which meant we couldn’t chat, but I guess that’s the nature of the sport.

The other thing that was weird was seeing people already starting or completing their run while we were riding, but since we had such a staggered start, it was how things fell out. I think it kept the course from being crowded, which I appreciated.

Transition 2 

We braked down the hill, and walked our bikes back into transition. I just had to swap shoes and put on my visor and we were good to go. I also grabbed a gu for the road. I didn’t know if I would need it, but I wanted to have it just in case.

Run – 3 miles

I’m not going to lie. The run sucked. By this point of the morning, it was humid and sweltering, and I couldn’t get a good lungful of air. Stacey was really patient about it, but I was frustrated. I know that it’s something I deal with, but it never fails to embarrass me on the course. Everything else felt great, but gasping like a fish out of water is never fun or encouraging.

I did what I could. I didn’t attribute this to bad or ineffective training, but more to what the day handed out. I had done plenty of runs off the bike, and while they were never fun, none of them ever felt quite like this. I’m sure it was nerves, relief at being almost done, and the weather.

After what felt like an eternity, we were crossing the finish line, and would you believe it?

I am a triathlete!

We grabbed snack boxes from PDQ (at that moment, it was the most delicious chicken I have ever eaten),

and I was hoping for a celebratory beer, but the line was long and they had run out of cups at the keg, so I figured I would make it up later that afternoon at my friend’s house.

What I loved?

This was a great starter tri. The pool swim definitely led to a more controlled situation, and it was a great way to get one’s feet wet (pun intended). The staggered start helped the bike course from crowding, which was a huge concern of mine. There was plenty of assistance at all stages, and the volunteers were encouraging and helpful.

I also loved having a friend at my side, and seeing Mr PugRunner and little man there. We haven’t been doing as many races together, and I’ve been letting them sleep in on the days when I do have a race scheduled. That being said, it was nice to see them in transitions and at the finish line.

What didn’t I love?

The bike and the run courses measured a little short. On the one hand, it saved me on the run, but on the other, I feel like I need a crack at a redemption course. I also was bummed that there wasn’t any on-course photography. I would have loved some swimming and cycling pictures. Mr PugRunner was there with his phone, for which I’m grateful, but it would be a nice touch going forward.

Will I do it again?

You know, I think I will. Now that I’ve put myself out there, and know that I CAN do it, I kind of want a crack at doing it better. Things like transition are hard to visualize and mentally prepare for, but now that I have done it, I know how to be more efficient and make the most of that time.

Pool triathlons are few and far between, though, so that makes it a bit more challenging to find an encore, but I’ll keep my eyes and ears open.

Have you ever taken on a multi-sport race?

What are your best tips and tricks for triathlons?

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Comments

  1. Anna@ pPipers Run says

    May 19, 2017 at 1:32 pm

    Congrats! Sounds like it was a great first triathlon! This is probably something I would do as I have a fear of the open water swim.

    Reply
  2. Kimberly G says

    May 19, 2017 at 1:56 pm

    Congratulations! It sounds like you had a great race experience!

    Those snack boxes look great – I love when races offer good post-race food!
    Kimberly G recently posted…Running Quotes to Motivate You!My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 19, 2017 at 2:01 pm

      If you don’t have PDQ… well, it’s just the best for “quick service” chicken. It’s local to our area, started by Tim Tebow, and they pride themselves on their quality, house made dipping sauces (which are amazing) and hiring good people. While I’m not a huge Tebow fan, I am really impressed at how he always seems to find a way to give back to the communities that shaped him, and I support the business wholeheartedly.

      Reply
  3. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    May 19, 2017 at 2:00 pm

    Great job! This sounds like it was the perfect race for your first tri. Now you know what to expect!
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Book Review: Marathon Woman by Kathrine SwitzerMy Profile

    Reply
  4. The Accidental Marathoner says

    May 19, 2017 at 2:20 pm

    I would love to do a sprint tri. There is one locally that my son did a number of years ago. The problem is…I can’t swim! Well, I can swim to save my life, but that’s about it. I was thinking of signing up for it this year (it’s in August), but I need more time to work on the swimming. Maybe next year…
    The Accidental Marathoner recently posted…Race Recap: 2017 Santa Barbara Wine Country Half MarathonMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 19, 2017 at 5:46 pm

      I know a lot of people who can’t swim! One of my dear friends started doing tris last year, and she had to teach herself how to do it!

      We had a pool growing up, and now I live near the coast in Florida, so it’s a pretty necessary skill.

      Reply
  5. Katie Shepherd says

    May 19, 2017 at 2:46 pm

    Wow great job on your triathlon race! I’ve never raced one but this looks like something I could do especially if the swim portion was in a pool. I am not a fan of open water swimming! Awesome job!!!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 19, 2017 at 5:45 pm

      It was nice having the swim in a pool. I don’t mind the open water at all, but it definitely does change the feel and predictability of everything.

      Reply
  6. Stacie Seidman says

    May 19, 2017 at 4:00 pm

    So impressed! You did great! I definitely wouldn’t have known what to do about the bike chain. Can you believe that would happen when it did?! Never when you’re just riding around by the house. But then again, at least when it did happen you had help available.
    Congrats on your first Tri!
    Stacie Seidman recently posted…Thursday’s Threads!My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 19, 2017 at 5:44 pm

      Right? Oh, I was freaking out on the inside. I’m sure I would have figured it out, but it surely did deflate my sails for a minute or two!

      Reply
  7. Rachel says

    May 19, 2017 at 7:57 pm

    You tri girls really inspire me. I can’t even imagine a triathlon. Beast mode!
    Rachel recently posted…5 Things I’m Loving About the 4-in-1 Tactical Self Defense Tool from Survival HaxMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 20, 2017 at 12:05 am

      <3 I tried to Beast Mode it, but I don't know how well I did LOL! I was pretty pleased that I was able to complete it, though.

      Reply
  8. Kimberly Hatting says

    May 19, 2017 at 8:33 pm

    Well, I’ve done a duathlon, but no tri’s (yet). That final run for me (mine was a 1.5 mile run following a 20-mile ride) was SO tough! All of us looked like zombies…but that finish line was euphoric! Congrats to you!
    Kimberly Hatting recently posted…Spring Fashion Essentials for FitnessMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 20, 2017 at 12:06 am

      Ugh. I bet your legs were jelly! It stinks because I was going off the idea that every time I got off the bike I would run, and I thought I was doing really well with that. On race day, it didn’t work out as well as I had hoped. Oh well. There’s always next time.

      Reply
  9. Mary Beth Jackson says

    May 19, 2017 at 9:14 pm

    Congrats to you! That is awesome that you just went out and did it! I admire you for that! I am not a big fan of the idea of the open swim either so I will side with your hubby on that!
    Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Loving that, on this day- It is all about ME!My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 20, 2017 at 12:08 am

      Sometimes, you just have to go for it!

      I get where he is coming from, but it also makes me laugh. Usually, I’m the person who has all the fears and objections and he is the one saying not to worry about things and to just go for what I want. He really had strong opinions on this one and while I don’t agree and I don’t really share his fears, his support is important to me and I wanted him on board. It will happen at some point.

      Reply
  10. Marcia says

    May 19, 2017 at 10:20 pm

    Congrats! I do believe you ARE a triathlete! Isn’t it crazy? I did 2 smaller tris before I did one with an OWS and I have to say it was pretty terrifying. I’ve done 2 OWS tris now but I need lots more OW experience and I need to learn how to sight if I ever attempt another one. I may just stick to ones with pool swims from now on. I actually have one on Sunday.
    Marcia recently posted…Health Update: Are You Even Methylating?My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 20, 2017 at 12:11 am

      So crazy!

      I think, in my limited experience, that triathlons are all about experience. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Or something like that.

      Good luck on your tri this weekend! I know you’ll kick butt!

      Reply
  11. Elle says

    May 20, 2017 at 2:14 pm

    How wonderful that your friend stepped up and offered to do this event with you. Sounds like a great experience for your FIRST!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 21, 2017 at 12:07 am

      I am so very lucky to have friends like her.

      Reply
  12. Coco says

    May 20, 2017 at 2:26 pm

    Yay! Sound so like a good first event. I think there are a few pool-based tris near us. How great your friend did the whole thing with you – that would make it better for sure.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 21, 2017 at 12:20 am

      It was definitely better having a buddy. Now that I’m through one, I could definitely do it again.

      Reply
  13. Mary says

    May 21, 2017 at 7:33 pm

    Congratulations on trying and conquering something new! I’m glad there was such an approachable tri available and that your friend signed up to support you, it sounds like a good experience.
    Mary recently posted…Fourteenstep– Retry!My Profile

    Reply
  14. Toni says

    May 21, 2017 at 10:54 pm

    Great job!!! I want to do a tri someday. It’s looks hard but fun.
    Toni recently posted…2017 Echo Half Marathon Training Recap Week 5My Profile

    Reply
  15. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    May 22, 2017 at 2:09 pm

    Congrats on completing your first tri! Its hard to deal with the weather since its something that we have zero control over. But given the conditions I think you did an incredible job. Way to go!
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – Current CountdownsMy Profile

    Reply
  16. Agness of Fit Travelling says

    May 22, 2017 at 10:39 pm

    Wow! You lead such a healthy lifestyle. I try to workout as often as possible, but you are so inspiring!

    Reply

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Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
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