TRI - a learning experience

What I did right:

Event: The venue was great. My hotel was affordable. The event was well organized. I was registered in advanced and I'm glad I went to the Expo and turned in my stuff the day before. I got all the first time jitters out of the way the day before. I was able to understand the transition area better and route a little.

Training: Athletically I was well prepared for the distances. If my health was better that day, I could have gone further, even in that cold water and steep terrain of the Sierra Nevada. My body was rested from taking a few days off of training just before the event but also strong enough to complete everything.

Clothing: I'm so glad I chose to wear purple. I stood out just enough but wasn't glowing. My pseudo tri suit worked well in the water and on land. Great for the price.

Pacing: I listened to my body so that I finished with no injuries. Even at times when I wanted to go faster.

Nutrition: I used nutrilite supplements: Rhodolia, edurance cubs, and XS energy drinks. Plus Luna protein bars. I had high quality energy the entire race without ever feeling let down and sluggish.

Gear: I had all the essentials. I didn't forget anything. More experienced athletes even commented on what a great idea bringing a bucket was. I seen a few other buckets as well. Not only did it make for a quick spot to sit and put on my shoes but it made for an easy clean up and nothing got left behind, stolen, or lost. I bought a new hat and I love it. Holds my hair back and out of my face so much better than a pony tail. I'm sure I'm going to get lots of use out of it everyday. I also bought sunglasses, but broke them on the drive home -- bummer.

Fans: My family came and cheered me on. I remembered those who supported me even though the weren't there, they cheered me on. God was there, supporting me every stroke, pedal and stride, I could feel him cheering me on.

What I need to improve on:

Event: I loved the event and would do another in Tahoe. I could have become more familiar with the route. It was a bit confusing at times. Also the porta potties were difficult to get to.

Training: If I do another at high elevation, I need to get acclimated with the elevation. It really effected my breathing.

Clothing: My clothes were good except after being bloated and wet they were stretched. Causing them to ride up in areas they normally wouldn't. Also, the number belt was a good idea but it sort of sausaged my stomach. I didn't realize it at the time but you can clearly see it in my photos. My stomach does not look that bad normally. It could have also been bloating.

Pacing: For the swim, I need to figure something else out. My swim time was great, a PR but I'm still coughing up phlegm today. Given the circumstances, I think I did exactly what I should have.

Nutrition: I let myself eat heavier a few weeks prior to the event. I don't think my body was ready for all the extra carbs and didn't have enough veggies (fiber) to push them through. Thus resulting in constipation on race day (weekend). My race nutrition was good. A nutrition belt would have been helpful.

Gear: My biggest flaw was not bringing an inhaler, I will not forget it next time. I'm still having a hard time breathing and coughing up phlegm. Other than that it was in my bike. The mountain bike's tires are far too knobby to advance in speed. Short term solution is to get road bike tires on the bike. Long term solution, get a road bike. I wish I would have been better prepared for the walk between the beach and the transition area. I had ideal shoes at home for that, instead I was in flip flops -- probably not the most effective. Cycle shoes, I hear would be helpful too. Hopefully soon I will be able to get some. My wetsuit worked but not ideal for triathlons. It was what I could afford at this time. If I continue to do tri's , I'll want a better suit once I reach goal weight of course. A nutrition belt w/ water bottle would be nice too. It's something I could use at other athletic events too.

Fans: At the end of the event, we lost my little girl, Amelia my 3 year old. I broke down into tears. I went to go get my stuff out of transition, she was with my family. When I returned my mom said she was lost. It was one of the scariest moments of my life! By the grace of God, she was fine and we quickly found her. It wasn't anyone's fault she got lost but it's hard to keep track of 4 children at an event like this. My mom was there to help me and watch my kids. My sister and her two kids tagged along. All 7 of us shared one hotel room, with only 2 beds. I can't say I got a good night sleep while I was gone. Although, I'm glad they came it made the weekend a bit harder. Finding triathlete friends to compete with/against, like a tri team would be phenomenal.