The Triathlon started at 10am, but since we were swimming inside, in a 6 lane swimming pool, athletes were given a tee time of sort, and I didn't start my swim until 11:30am. I had about an hour of down time to sit and gather my thoughts, stretch, and watch the other competitors start their swim, as well as watch them during their first transition. Since I had never been a part of this type of event, it was nice to watch others and see their techniques. I have read up and watched countless youtube videos on transitions, but it was very beneficial to see this first hand.
Upon getting into the water, I had to wait in line about 25 minutes in the warm swimming area. The pool was heated almost to much, which made for quick dehydration. but here I am waiting before the swim.
This is the shot, right before I jumped into the water. This is the 2nd time I have ever worn a swim cap before, and I'm telling you, there super nice!
Its the start of the Siouxper Man Triathlon, and my swim went very good. The only hiccup of my swim was that my left goggle filled up with water on my second to last lap, and I had to finish the swim with one eye!
My first transition went good, always room for improvement of course, but was still happy with my transition times!
Onto the bike portion, where we battled steady 25mph winds, with gusts up to 40mph. This was a fun and challenging course, in which we toured Iowa's countryside. Biking past several hog farms, as well as a massive dairy farm. Needless to say, the wind did a fabulous job of pushing the pleasant smell of cow sh*t in our direction, taking over my lungs!
Here is a picture of me, just heading out on the bike!
Finally it was the run, where my legs began to scream, and the wind continued to kindly push a headwind in my direction. The run was the part I was least looking forward to coming into the event, but to my surpise, I felt really good for the most part!
It official, I past the finish line, and I am waiting for the volunteer to take my sport chip off my ankle, to record my official time!
My wife is always a GREAT supporter, and super fan! She was the one that caught all of these pictures. I'm so happy she enjoys chasing me around! Yay Paula! You're the best!
In the end, I am super excited about my first triathlon. The Siouxper Man offered a very friendly "first timer" experience, and I bet I ran into 15 people I talked to in that this was also there first triathlon. Here is a link to the results of yesterdays race! I finished 45th out of 243 finishers.
My original plan was not to enter this race, but wait to start racing until June. I was talked into racing by my co worker at Spoke N Sport, Kyle. He finished 5th overall.
This race gave me a great gauge as to my endurance level, and I know I have room for improvement. But it also gave me confidence in that I know I will be able to keep up with, and compete with the top tier athletes around the area. I just need to continue to pick up my training, and keep pushing myself.
The Siouxper man Triathlon ended with an all you can eat burger and brat buffet, catered by HyVee. They must have known that I love HyVee! Nothing like a happy finisher, reaping in the benefits of a lot of food!
I'm one step closer to my Ironman!
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