Race Recap: Triathlon #1: Hagerstown Sprint Triathlon

Taken shortly after crossing the finish line!
That smile is genuine! 

Last Sunday I put the past 8 months worth of hard training to the test by competing in and finishing the Hagerstown Sprint Triathlon.  The whole experience was AWESOME, I’ve never been happier, never felt more alive and never felt more accomplished than finally being able to call myself a triathlete.  The whole week of lead-up, preparation and race was an experience.  I’d like to share my week, my prep and my race; plus a few goals going forward.

Last Monday I spent the evening with Jamie and Joe at Mercury Endurance Cycle getting the bike tuned up and ready for racing.  Ready for racing entailed a quick tune of the derailers, shifters and brakes.  We swapped out brake pads for carbon wheel brake pads and put Roval carbon clincher race wheels on.  My Specialized Shiv looked fast sitting still and boosted my urge to go racing.  I installed the fuel cell to keep a few CO2 cylinders, tire levers and a multi tool.  I used electrical tape to attach a spare tire tube to my seat post under my rear bottle cage and I taped the inflator tool to my top tube in front of my seat.  After those installations the Shiv was ready.  

The Shiv looking fast and ready!

Wednesday I went out for a light spin around the triathlon bike course.  I wanted to get a few miles on the wheels/tires so I knew how they’d handle and how they’d brake.  Everything felt great and I kept effort to a minimum (less than 70% FTP by the Stages Power Meter).  

After getting back from the spin I transitioned for the first time and went out for a half distance run on the course.  I wanted to know what I’d be in for Sunday after the bike,  I’ve never done a brick or even run this course before.  My legs felt like lead and the course seemed much more rolling that I expected.  The entire first half of the out course felt uphill!  Not a good momentum and confidence booster going into race weekend.  However, after getting home and uploading my data to Training Peaks I saw I was able to hold a 9:30 pace through 1.5 miles after the bike ride.  Analyzing the data made me feel better and I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to trust your data and not your perception of the results.  I was still worried how I’d feel transitioning to the run after a hard bike ride.  

Friday before race day I didn’t do anything.  I got off work, did some shopping and errands but spent the better part of the day on the couch.  I picked up my packed for the race and went home feeling very excited.  Friday night I splurged on dinner and ate like a king.  I was in bed early and slept great Friday night!

Packet picked up, race shirt and swag

Saturday morning I was awake around 9am and I was mentally concerned about my run off the bike but I tried to push those thoughts out of my head.  I spent most of Saturday on the couch getting ready.  I ate light and drank lots of Powerade Zero to ensure I was hydrated and full of electrolytes.  Saturday night I laid out my race kit, bike necessities and run stuff (probably in the most OCD display of my life) in order to ensure I’d have everything for Sunday.  I packed everything into the Zoot travel transition bag my mom got me for my birthday.  Saturday night I loaded the bike and my transition bag into the Jeep.  I was officially ready to go racing.  Despite nerves I slept well Saturday night.

I set up and practiced transitions Saturday

My race kit and all my gear checked off before
packing my transition bag for the race 

Sunday morning I was up at 3:45am when my alarm went off.  I got up, dressed, brushed teeth and ate my breakfast.  At 4am I had my standard “endurance day,” breakfast of a Picky Bar and a protein shake.  I drank water and Powerade Zero.  I grabbed a few extra drinks, my bike bottle and headed to the race.  

I was the first person in the parking lot at 4:40am.  My OCD makes me early for these things so I can prepare and relax.  I upacked the Jeep, ear buds in and music up -- it was time to go become a triathlete.

Jamie (my coach) was at transition when I got there and gave me the advice to set up my transition close to the bike out so I didn’t have to run so far in my bike cleats!  (Protip #1)  I chose  a spot along the outside rail so I’d have a place to set my bag/tire pump and be able to walk back over to the outside fence and drop my recovery shoes over the fence before the swim when transition was closed (Protip #2).  

My transition set up and ready

At 8:00am I lined up for my swim wave and shortly after I was racing!  After the whole morning of waiting it felt great to actually do something with my nervous energy!  The swim felt well tuned, the water was cool and I quickly found a groove.  I started passing people and by the time I touched the exit I’d passed 8 swimmers AND set a PR for 300 meters!  

I leapt out of the pool and sprinted for T1!  I got to my bike and this is where everything fell apart.  I had a horrible time getting the gravel off my wet feet.  Once I got the better part of the gravel off (eventually I just decided to ride with gravel on my feet) I had issues getting my wet feet into my bike shoes.  Practice for T1 went much easier when I was dry.  I fumbled and I stumbled my way to an almost 3 minute T1!  I was happy to mount and get riding after that transition gaff. I sat nto the aero position and decided I needed to make up time!  

I hit the bike course and started pedaling like I’ve never pedaled.  I shifted to the big ring and the chain never left that position.  The bike felt light and even into a direct head wind it felt like I had power I’d never felt.  I red lined my FTP for the whole course.  I kept a mental tally and I passed 18 riders as I made my round of the course.  When I hit the final 2 miles I came out of the saddle and sprinted the final 2 hills.  The looming run was in my mind and I worried what I’d have left once I hit T2 but I’d worry about that later.  Right now I wanted to finish what had been my strongest ride.  

I pulled in to T2, hit the dismount line and heard Jamie yelling I was “Doing Great Doob!!!” I also looked up and saw my mom!!!  That was awesome, my mom came over to watch me through T2!!!  Hearing Jamie and my mom I was renewed.  I did my best to speed through T2 but it still turned out to be almost 2 minutes. (My transitions suck and cost me valuable time plus at least one more tick up the podium.)  A few last yells from Jamie and Mom and I was on my way through the run out.  The first .25 miles and my legs felt like cinder blocks.  I had intended to run an 11 to 11:20 pace out and then see if I could crank to a 10:45 on the way back.  

As I got on the course I started seeing and hearing encouragement.  I’ve never done a sport where so many fellow competitors high-five you as you run!  I’ve never been more encouraged and happier doing something crazy in my life.  As my legs screamed I just tried to run harder, smile and encourage my fellow sufferers.  This was living life in all of its awesome glory!  I hit the aid table, two waters, one on my chest and one on my head.  Keeping my body cool is the ticket to my success.  My watch beeped mile 1, 10:41.  Holy Shit, my legs feel like blocks and I ran a 10:41!?!?  Thats all it took.  Pain and heat be damned this was my time for glory, I kicked as hard as an overweight, 27-inch inseam can kick.  The pain built and I smiled, I wasn’t slowing down and I wasn’t stopping.  Made the turn, more water to pour and time to crank.  High-fives, shouts, encouragements even one “Damn!  You were flying on the bike!” I felt awesome.  I finally came back into sight of the finish and I was at a sprint.  Everything I had left I brought out and left on the course.  I’ve never felt happier going through the finish shoot!  I did it, I’m a triathlete and I did it faster than Jamie or myself ever thought I would!!!!  Initially I hated my finisher photo, but I’m damn proud of it now!!!!  I’m a triathlete, full blown, 3rd place, podium placing Clydesdale.  Took home hardware in triathlon #1.  I’ve done a lot of things, I’ve seen amazing sights, I’ve experienced a lot of things but this one moment was one of my finest.  I felt alive like never before and I’m ready for more!

Crossing the Finish Line!
I'm a triathlete!!!!!

I honestly love this sport.  For the first time in my life I finally feel like I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.  I also want to get better.  For all the awesomeness of finishing triathlon #1 I’m also critical of myself and my performance.  The good with the bad is just reality.  First, my transition must improve.  Taking so long in T1 and T2 is just silly, I’m giving away free time.  My friend Ginny, who is amazing beyond words, is going to help me improve, I’m really looking forward to her help!!!  Next, I have to get lighter.  No doubt I need to shed another 50 to 80lbs to really be good in this sport.  I don’t want to keep qualifying, “yeah, I’m fast -- for a fat guy.” Now for the good, I didn’t quit, I never coasted or walked the whole course.  I set multiple PR’s and podium finished.  I felt great, I never resented my decision and I can’t wait to do it again.  The Shiv rode like a dream and I loved my Pearl Izumi shoes.  Every part of my kit performed like it should and I had a great experience.  Everything gear wise stays the same, no changes.  

Thanks for reading!  I hope you enjoyed my experience and I can’t wait to share more with you along this crazy journey to being an Ironman!    

After the race, cleaned up and ready for lunch.
I smiled all day and wore the shirt All3Sports.com
gave me and said, "here is your podium shirt,"
even when I didn't know I'd be making a podium!