Last Sunday I raced my first sprint distance tri (Black Bear Triathlon). I had done an Oly and a Half last summer.

The swim was 750 meters and the water temp was about 70. I was in the 2nd wave. I finished in 15 minutes, which is about the best I could have expected with my limited swimmimg abilities. My breathing was under control and I felt like I increased my pace every 100 meters or so. Once out of the water there was a 1/4 mile uphill run to the transition area. My time ranked me around 140 out of 400+.

The bike leg was 18 miles and all hills (Pocono Mts.). I had a great ride, the best I ever felt on the bike. I really felt strong and for the first time worked the gears properly transitioning from downhill to uphill on the rolling sections. I was able to stay aero for the majority of the course, except for 3 very steep sections. I averaged 19.4 MPH and had the 13th fastest time.

The run was around the lake and was mostly flat. For the first time I was able to run decently off the bike. I ran a 6:29 1st mile, a 6:27 2nd mile, and finished the 3.6 mile course in 23:54. My run time ranked 18th overall. I ended up sprinting the last 150 meters with an 18 year old kid from the 1st wave. I lost the sprint, but it was a great way to end the race.

Finished 23rd overall in 1 hour 38 minutes and 5th in my age group.

What I learned/observations:

Sprint tris are exhilirating and alot of fun. I felt great afterwards.
I need to improve my transition time.
Although my slow swimming is a problem, it is a rush to pass so many people on the bike.
Biking continues to be something I truly love doing and I am having a much easier time with not running everyday.
Can't wait for the OLY I am doing in August. I feel like I can take 10-25 minutes off last year's time.