Race Prep

Admittedly, I don't have a lot of triathlon experience. I've participated in two sprints and one Olympic over the last year. My goals in all three events were to (1) finish, (2) post a reasonably decent time, and (3) enjoy the experience.

For the sprint I'm doing tomorrow, I find that I have a little bit higher expectations of myself. I want to race the event as opposed to just participate. I want to see how hard I can push myself and whether I can turn in a performance to be proud of. Here's what I'm thinking for each area:

The Swim
Okay after all my big talk above, I'll be honest here. I just want it to be over with. I want to get through it without having a panic attack like I did in my first open water swim at Luray. It was dumb to experience my very first open water swim ever in a race. Especially an Olympic distance race. Since then, I've practiced in open water three times. I didn't enjoy it, but I am certainly more comfortable.

What is it with race descriptions that describe the water as "crystal clear" anyway? Bull shit. No lake or river water I've seen has been crystal clear. I couldn't see my hand in front of my face. And I certainly couldn't see the person beside me. I'd like to give whoever writes this crap a glass of "crystal clear" lake water to drink and see how their description changes. Evian this isn't.

Okay, rant over.

Swim goal: Predominantly swim freestyle, efficient stroke, sight well, get it done.

Transitions
I completely suck at transitions. In the time I take to meander my way from one event to the next, someone else could finish her run. In past events, I've used transitions as a place to calm down, get my bearings, take a shower, eat a meal, whatever. Tomorrow, I want to be better organized pre-race so I can blast through transition with all engines humming.

The Bike
This is a very new feeling, but I love the bike. This has been "the year of the bike," and I have gained confidence riding it. Never have I had a bike ride that truly sucked (unlike some - okay many - runs). My biggest concern here - assuming that the wild dogs will be contained by the time I ride by - is that I will have another flat tire like I did at Luray. You might think flatting in a race would motivate me to learn to change a flat. In fact I've only talked about it. Many times. Which gives me no credit or experience in actually changing a flat.

I really like this course. It offers some small rolling hills for variety and beautiful views. I've ridden it twice and am comfortable with the route. My bike is newly-tweaked and ready to be ridden. I want to smoke this bike course.

Bike goal: 19 mph average speed or faster

I will have to pump my little brains out to achieve that... but I want it badly and I'm going to try.

The Run
Here's the wild card where I either make my race... or blow my race. Sometimes, I run well. Many times when I'm trying to run fast, it feels horrible and I just want to stop. My best bet on the run is to relax, concentrate on form, and run smooth. Let the time come. We'll see if I can remember that tomorrow.

Run goal: Under 8 1/2 min/mi

There you go sports fans. I've admitted to my goals; now I need to make them reality.