Returning to my first triathlon
One year ago, I trained for Ironman Mont Tremblant. As a preparation to that behemoth, I registered to Grimsby Ontario’s Sprint Triathlon. That race taught me several lessons. Increase my open water swimming training, warm up in the water before the race, get in the water to acclimate to the temperature, go to the washroom before a race, see what food is best for race day, and so much more (I can write a couple of articles based on tips alone). I finished the race in 1 hour and 31 minutes. This year, I registered to it again and finished it in 1 hour and 19 minutes. I could have done a better run but I smashed this race. I was happy with my results. I ranked 57 out of 331 people!
The Swim
Completed: 9 minutes 37 seconds (500m)
The water was super cold. I went in and I was freezing. Everyone was freezing. I went in early to acclimate and I was ready to race. The race started and I passed several people. I also caught up to several people from the first wave. That’s always my goal. My other goal is to complete the swim since it always scares me. If you do this race, be ready for the cold water. There was luckily no waves and the water was clear. since I also swam close to the front of wave 2, I was able to catch up to the the first wave 1. When you get out of the water, there is a bit of an incline. I was so tired from the swim, I walked up. I always walk up though but this still felt hard to run up the hill.
The Ride
Completed: 42 minutes
I averaged 35kph on this ride. I treated this race like a TT in the bike portion. Full gas and to be on the aero bars as much as possible. This is a flat race so I put on the biggest gear and used my legs to push through. My legs and mind screamed to lower the gear but I resisted as much as possible to be able to finish as fast as possible. No pain no gain. This ride is very bumpy and it’s best to be furthest to the right side of the road since there a lot less of an impact. If you’re in the wrong area of this road, it gets very bumpy.
The Run
Completed: 27 minutes
Final Results
The run: 27 minutes (5k)
My running was bad since I’m a chunky boy however I improved big time from last year. There is a bit of a small incline in the first kilometre but it’s not too bad. I finished and was happy to see what I’ve become from all of the gruelling hard work I’ve put into this sport.
Finished: 1 hour 19 minutes
I love this sport. It’s hard, there’s pain, commitment, and it allows me to push my limits and reach new limits. It’s been one year since I’ve started racing. This was a great way to see how much I’ve improved. Keep in mind that this all takes time and patience. Be also aware that although this does take a lot of time, I was also going to school full time, working full time, and working on several mini projects such as my website. What I’m trying to tell you is that when there is a will there is a way. If you want to do something, it’s up to you. Time management and your motivation for change is what makes it happen. If you want it, be hungry for it, obsess about it, and manifest it. See you at the finish line