Ok, did my first triathlon in about 15 years on Sunday, Ventura Breath of Life Olympic distance. Long story short…took a look at my fitness level in early 2006 and wasn’t too pleased. Decided to get back into shape and be healthy for my wife and daughter and get back into a sport that I loved for many years. Since then, I’ve lost about 30 lbs and got back a good chunk of my fitness level (except for running, still too heavy to run efficiently).
1.5k ocean swim (30:27)
Was hoping for around a 25:00 swim, as most of my swimming has come back. Got a chance to break in my T1 top and Speedtube bottom for the first time (SWEET!). Took my time and got as far to the north on the beach, as the first wave was all drifting south with the current and settled into a steady pace. Best time in 40-44 AG was just under 24:00, and the swim time included a 200-300 yd trudge through soft sand that I walked, so I was pretty satisfied with the swim. Lost about a minute to a buddy of mine who is a little faster than me in the water, so I figure that also confirmed it was about where I should have been. Definitely had a little more in the tank, too.
T1 (3:46)
Nothing special, average time and took extra time to put on socks and bodyglide on my feet.
Bike 40k (1:10:37)
Looked down at my computer and my wheel sensor wasn’t picking up…decided just to pace based upon feel. Took it easy the first mile or two (no passing zone anyway) and got settled in. Tried to set a pace that I could hold through the whole race and did a pretty good job. Was surprised that I was able to pass far more people than passed me and felt strong and smooth for the whole ride. I was really trying to gauge my pacing and determine a target pace for Vineman 70.3 next month. I think I could have held my 40k pace for at least another 15 miles, so if I drop 1 - 1.5 mph, I think I have my 70.3 pace target of around 20mph in sight.
T2 (1:47)
Again, nothing special but got what I needed to get done in a reasonable time and started out.
Run 10k(1:02:31)
Did I mention that I haven’t got much of my running fitness back yet? Started off at around 8:45 - 9:00 and tried to hold it between aid stations. Ended up with some hamstring cramping that was starting midway through the first of two out and back laps, so walked a little bit to get them to ease up. Continued with a run/shuffle/walk for the rest of the first loop and most of the second loop (although I walked a little more than just aid stations in the second loop). I definitely had more in the tank if I just sucked it up, but this was more of a progress check than a race for me.
Overall time 2:49:04
Was actually a little nervous about how the whole race would play out, especially how I would feel on the bike and run. It had been a long time since I felt that good, though. I was happy with the swim, very happy with the bike, and not too disappointed with the run. I am definitely hooked again, though!
Mike