The Reston Sprint Triathlon is one of my favorite races and I look forward to it as the official start to my summer tri season. This year, not only was my spring bike training really derailed with all the rain we had in April and May, the race was almost cancelled due to weather.
On Friday afternoon, the forecast was looking quite grim with heavy storms & dangerous lightening predicted. Just what you want for a tri race right? The race organizers were really on top of the situation sending out emails detailing their rain plans. There was some talk of canceling the swim and just doing the bike and run if the rain came in. The final decision would be made at 4 am Sunday morning.
I was so stressed on Saturday not knowing if we would have the race or not. I prepped my flat mama and adding in a few extra rain layers and tried to get some sleep. I have really developed some serious race anxiety. I was up all night looking out the window to see if it was thundering. I got up at 4:30 and was pleasantly surprised to see that the storms had moved off and the rain had stopped. The race was on!
I picked up my Tri buddy, Holly, and met up with our other MRTT friends at the transition to set up our stuff. Body marking is such a fun triathlon tradition. I could probably do without my age on my calf though.
The pool had warmed up to a nice 84 degrees and before we knew it the race was starting. I felt pretty good on the swim and did not get trampled on or passed too much. This was a snake swim so everyone is swimming in the same direction for the whole 400 meters. Felt pretty good exiting the pool and heading towards T-1. Swim time was right where I expected.
Quickly hopped on my bike and headed out. I was a little nervous about the wet roads as this course has a few sharp turns but once I got going, I felt a little better. My bike time was about 1-2 minutes slower than I had expected. Not really sure why. Finished the 3 loop course and headed back to T-2.
Off to the run! I know from previous experience that this is a hilly course. I felt great coming off the bike and my first mile was strong. I hit the big hill at mile 2 and slowed down a bit. I saw lots of people walking the hill and I was determined not to. I felt stronger on the run than I ever have before. So happy to find out that I dropped 1:30 off my run time from last year. Ended up with a 10 second PR-I will take it!
Overall, a great race and a fun time. I’ve got some work to do before my next tri in 6 weeks. I know I can have an even better bike and run time.
I need to do something about my race anxiety. Does anyone else have this issue? Any tips for me?
Linking up with the girls from Wild Workout Wednesday and Running Coaches Corner. Please check out their sites as well!
Sounds like everything went well….too bad you had to have all that stress! Thunderstorms and tris do not mix!
Ha ha no they do not!
Great work and I love your uni! That is so cute! I so want to do a tri. I know that I always say that, but one of these days…
I think you’d be great at it! And Thanks!
Whoohoo! Way to go!!
I too have race anxiety…checking the clock every 30 min or so and replaying my strategy in my head over and over and over.
What brand is your tri suit?
Glad I am not the only one. The tri suit is Smashfest Queen. Most comfortable suit I have had but they run very small.
Thats the worst. Anxiety is the worst, waiting and wondering is the worstest. Glad the weather cleared, you had fun and the anxiety is o-v-e-r!
My race anxiety has gotten worse and I need to work on it for sure
Congrats & what a great finish photo!
Weather/injury can make me anxious, but otherwise I’m more excited than nervous. Sometimes I think being a slower runner takes some of the pressure off.
I’m hoping to get to the pool today for the first time in months, but wouldn’t you know we cooled off big time overnight? Well, it’s an indoor pool. With a sauna & steam room. 🙂
Thanks! pool, sauna and steam room sounds like a great combo!
I am always inspired when I read a tri recap! I cannot imagine having to swim, bike AND run all in one race! Great job- you rock! Thanks for sharing and linking up 🙂
OH you would totally rock it maybe you will give it a Tri sometime?!
Congrats…. you look super strong (and super cute) in all your pics. I always have race anxiety/excitement and get no sleep the night before….. If you figure it out, let me know.
Ha will do! Thanks
How can you be anxious when you look so amazing in that race kit? JK, but you should be feeling really confident going into your next tri. For me, race anxiety has lessened over the years. I think it’s all about having experience, right?
I hope it was bc it was the first one of the year and it had been 10 months since I last did one. You always seem cool as a cucumber to me.
Congrats on your race! Your outfit was super cute.
Thanks! that’s the important part right?! 🙂
yay! congrats! looks like a lot of fun – and super cute outfit!
Thanks so much!
So glad that the weather cooperated and worked out in your favor. With all of the rain that we’ve had over the past several weeks and the impact that it had on your training, you still completed a strong tri. Way to go!
Thanks friend! I am hoping for less rain the next few weeks so I can get out on my bike more.
Woohoo!!! I’m so glad it didn’t rain on your parade. I’m still so in awe of your ability to do a tri! Woot woot!
You could totally do one! I love the variety of the training.
Looks like it was a great race!
It was a fun time despite my nerves.
AH! I think race day nerves are natural. It looks like you killed it though and you look amazing in that finish photo!
Thanks so much! I wish I could be a little less nervous.
Your tri suit is so cute! I absolutely love the print!!
The not knowing if the race was going to happen must have been so stressful 🙁
As someone who suffers from chronic anxiety, I find it’s really important to recognize the anxiety and not fight it.
Then I’ll go through the scenarios.
“The race might get cancelled”. Okay, well that wouldn’t be ideal, but it’s for our safety and that’s good.
“I might perform terribly”. Yup. That’s totally possible, but I’ve put in the training and all I can do it my best.
Talking it out with a friend who understands anxiety can also help.
Those are great tips and I really appreciate that. In general I am not an anxious person but before a race I am so nervous.
Nice job! Woo Hoo! Looks like you had fun too! I think every race has a little anxiety – we can’t help ourselves!
You never seem nervous!
I think we all have race anxiety to some degree….I don’t think mine is bad, but if I stress over anything it’s (1) fear of missing my alarm to wake up on time (because I usually have a good 30-60 minute commute anywhere), or (2) weather. The threat of storms? That would have me in a tail-spin LOL I’m not usually anxious about my ability (unless there’s an looming “injury”), but the unknowns drive me batty. CONGRATS on your tri!!!!
OH I also worry about the alarm and sometimes set 2!!
I love love love your Tri Outfit! Where is it from?B
Ah thanks so much. It’s Smashfest Queen they have great stuff but they run small so order up
I’m in awe of you ladies that do triathlons. I could never imagine even signing up for a tri. Your kit is awesome. I love the black and pink. Annnnd, I have no tips for pre-race anxiety because I get it pretty bad. I’m kind of a wreck for about a week before a race. 🙂
Ok well glad to hear I am not the only one! I hope we both figure out how to lessen it up
Congratulations on your PR! I have such admiration for triathletes, you guys make it look so easy but I know that it’s not! Aw man, I’m sorry that the race anxiety is starting to be a problem for you. I used to get really stressed out about events but this year I really just try to take the day as it comes.
You do seem like a pretty go with the flow type of person and I really admire that.
Was so happy for you when I saw your pictures posted this weekend. Way to go Deborah!
Thanks so much friend!!
Congrats on the PR! It looks like this was a seriously awesome tri – you totally smashed it!
Thanks so much it was a fun one!
How stressful not knowing if the race is going to happen! Sounds like it was a fun time though 🙂
The weather situation was the worst!
Congrats on the PR! I was so glad for you when the weather ended up being OK. I really like your tri kit!
Thanks so much! I think you would be great at them too maybe one day 🙂
Awesome work! I wish I could find a tri with a pool swim.
Girl, I get horrible race anxiety. The bigger the event, the worse I am. I literally slept one hour the night before my marathon. I have thrown up at several finish lines and I have hyperventilated on the course more times than I care to count. It’s awful. I wish I knew what to do about it, but I just try to breathe and push through. Hopefully, it will get better with time.
wow that is anxiety! I am not that extreme but I hope we can both find some techniques to help us out.
Congratulations on your Tri. I’m sure you were glad to not get a memo that anything was canceled. Less stress to worry about.
Yes I was very glad that the weather held out!
Deborah that is awesome! So inspiring.
Thanks so much Jill!
Nice job Deborah! Those hilly runs are tough! Not much to share about race anxiety aside from getting out there and doing it. Hopefully your next one will be better in terms of anxiety. My first one back this season is when I flubbed the swim and had a mini-panic attack in the water…lesson learned for the next one, I warmed up better and kept my cool.
The water does freak me out as well. Yes I just need more practice. Have another small tri in 6 weeks.
Sounds like a fun race! I’m glad the weather ended up holding out and I really love that tri suit you have 🙂
Thanks so much!
Great job on the PR and I LOVE you tri kit!
Thanks so much! Great start to the season
Great job! I have never done a tri but would like too. I have race anxiety and I quell it with a glass of wine, relaxes me and helps me sleep, but not too much alcohol that it affects my performance.
I think I am too nervous to drink wine but I might give it a try next time. You could totally do a tri
Congrats on your PR! Pretty good for the first race of the season. I’m sure not knowing about whether the race would be cancelled contributed to your pre-race anxiety. Plus, I always think a little tension is good, it help get you into race mode. 🙂
A little tension is good but I get really crazy sometimes 🙂
Awesome! Way to go on the 10 second PR! So glad to hear that the weather worked out and you were still able to race!
Thanks me too!
Sounds like everything went great, but I know the stress of “not knowing” with the weather unfolding. Your transition setup looks great & I love your Tri kit 🙂 Congratulations!!!
Thanks so much! I was glad the weather held out
Great job on the race and your PR!!
Thanks so much!
Love your tri kit!!
Thanks! Having a cute outfit is a must right?! 🙂
I love your tri-suit!! Ever since I started doing cycling classes I have been thinking about doing a sprint or mini tri. But idk!! I can’t even unclip yet from a spin bike so gotta work my way up to a real bike 🙂
You should tri it! You don’t have to clip in the first time outdoors either.
Congratulations on a strong Tri Finish! This is super exciting! I love the wetsuit you are wearing!
Oh thanks so much!