Last Saturday, in the midst of all of my crazy end of the year graduation excitement, I decided to sign up for the Salute To The Military Sprint Triathlon Race last minute. Yup that’s how I roll! Well, to be honest that is the complete opposite of how I usually roll.
Salute To The Military Sprint Triathlon
I had learned that I could participate in this Salute to The Military Sprint and then race the same exact course again in mid July. I thought that a perfect way to measure progress in all 3 disciplines. I’ve also recently connected with Triathlon Coach Amber Toro and she has offered to help me train for the July race.
Race Day
My alarm went off at 4:15 am (ugh) I am so not a morning person. I had to leave by 5 am for the 45 minute drive to the race in Warrenton, Virginia. Rev3 race company does a fantastic job of logistics. Race day check in was a breeze and this small race of about 200 people was easy and problem free. I quickly set up my transition spot and headed over to the pool deck.
The Swim
The 300 m swim took place in an outdoor pool water temp 71 degrees. It would be a “snake swim” with traffic in both directions. A snake swim means that you swim down one side of a lane and then back up the other side before advancing to the next lane. It got a little choppy in there with traffic coming both ways. I had to do breast stroke for a few seconds when my lane got congested. Other than that, the swim went well. I was in and out in around 7 minutes.
For many triathletes, the swim portion of the race causes a lot of anxiety. Racing in a pool rather than open water tends to offer more security. For me it’s so much more comfortable to swim in a pool. I like to see the black line on the bottom and know that the side of the pool is there if I need it.
The Bike- 12.5 miles
Got a few pebbles stuck in my toes running from the swim exit back to transition to grab my bike. I was happy with my transition time and headed out on the bike. The course was a little more challenging than I expected but I felt pretty strong and happy with my effort. The sun was out in full force and the temps were beginning to rise quickly. I have trouble hydrating on the bike but I did manage to eat a pack of my honey stinger chews for a little energy.
The Run – 5K
The run course was pretty flat however it was completely unshaded from the sun that was now beating down. The temps and humidity quickly rose and I was definitely feeling it. The humidity seems to be my nemesis these days. I had to stop and walk a few times just to catch my breath. The run leg of this Salute to the military triathlon was again the most challenging part for me. Not my worst run but far from my best. I was very happy to see the finish line!
Running through the finish I was handed an icy cold towel (yes!) and a great medal. Overall, a fun and well run race. I am looking forward to going back in July and seeing my improvements. Hoping coach Amber can help me out.
What would be the hardest leg of a tri race for you?
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I definitely think the swim portion would be the hardest for me. Im not a strong swimmer, and I think I would prefer a pool but the congestion would be stressful. Great job!
It can be a little congested in the pool for sure
Congrats!! I love that you jumped in at the last minute. No doubt, I’d struggle with the swim. I really only know the breaststroke and the doggy paddle. I think swimming in a pool would really help with my anxiety about that. I don’t think I’ll be signing up for a tri any time soon.
funny because I think you would be so great at them! You already have the bike and the run all figured out
Congrats on completing another Tri race! It was so hot and humid on Saturday so kudos to you for pushing through in those less than ideal temps.
The heat and humidity are killers I need to figure out how to power through a little better
I think I would prefer a pool as well, natural bodies of water can be a little anxiety inducing for me. Good job with the race!
Yes I get anxious when I cannot see into the water in a lake
Way to go Deborah!!! That’s amazing!! You totally inspire me to sign up for one of these races!
Have a great Wednesday!!
Congrats on the impromptu tri! I am the same way about the swim leg. I just haven’t had much practice in open water and it really shows…and stresses me out. A pool swim is much more in my wheelhouse.
It always amazes me when someone can swim, bike and run in a race. So congrats.
Swimming would be near impossible and biking a close second.
I think I’ll stick to running.
Wow congratulations on a great race! The swim portion is definitely the hardest part for me…it makes me nervous to have so many people swimming around me!
And an ice cold towel is perfect for after a race!
The snake style swim sounds like my worst nightmare haha. For whatever reason, swimming in a straight line is not my strong suit so I’d be all over the place.
What a fun medal!
Cute medal! The swim is definitely the hardest part. I suppose I could fix that if I actually swam once in a while. 🙂
I would think you would love to swim out there in the heat you have
Ha! I love despite everything, you still make time for races and running – girl after my own heart 🙂
You know it!
You are such an inspiration and BADASS!!! I dread the swim. The open water is just hard and with all those people, it gives me a little bit of anxiety.
The open water definitely gives me anxiety always. And Thanks 🙂
The swim would for sure be the struggle for me! I’m not a great swimmer. I can swim but I’m not fast and don’t have a lot of endurance for it. I like to do it though.
It is relaxing and nice on a hot day
Swimming would be my hardest leg, hands-down (that’s not meant to be a pun BTW). You probably know I did a du a couple years ago, and that went pretty well considering my cycling is pretty elementary at best. It will be fun (for you) to go back in July and be able to measure your growth!
Yes I am looking forward to going back and seeing what I can do. Hoping we get a cold front that week 🙂
That will be cool to see how you compare when you do it again! I think the hardest part for me would be the swim.
For some reason, I picture you as a good swimmer
Since don’t bike . . . I understand that swim is usually the one most people dread, but that’s the open water swim. I learned to swim in lakes (and pools, too), but not with people kicking me in the face!
I definitely salute you just jumping in and “triing” it!
Thanks friend! I really enjoy biking in the summer when it’s so hot
Sounds like a really fun race! Thanks for sharing with us 🙂
Thanks!
wow. so impressed. really, that you just decided to do it and then went is sort of incomprehensible for my control freak mind! haha! well done!
for me the hardest would be the swim. Last year when I did swimming lessons (breaststroke) I started having panic attacks when I would accidentally breathe in a bit of water (yes, I know you are not supposed to do that 🙂 ) FULL ON RAGING I’M GOING TO DIE RIGHT HERE IN THE POOL Panic attacks. So… no sprint tri for me anytime soon. Maybe in open water. Then I can just be last 🙂
Learning to swim as an adult must be anxiety provoking. Don’t give up you will get the breathing thing
That is an awesome medal!
I know! Doing it for the bling
I love the medal! I’ve only done one tri and the swim was the hardest one for me. I won’t deny though the transition from cycling to run was difficult as well. It took my legs a bit of time to adjust before I got into the groove of running.
Yes it sure does!
How fun that you can race the same course again! Definitely sounds like good training motivation.
I hope so!
I think it was a great idea to do the race because like you said, it’ll be a nice way to measure progress. Nice job!
Thanks so much!
Congrats! I assume swimming would be hardest for me but I’d probably struggle with the transitions too. 😉
I really do think you would rock a tri race! You are such a strong biker and runner
Good for you for completing yet another race! You’re so inspiring!!
Thanks so much Elysia have a great day
Congratulations on a great race! Love your medal
Thanks it was a nice medal too
Spontaneous? Not how I roll either. Usually. I always enjoy your tri recaps.
Sometimes it’s fun to step out of your comfort zone right?!
congratulations!!!!!! it seems like you had a fun time 🙂
Thanks I always learn something from each race
Kudos to you on completing a strong race! The hardest part of a tri for me would definitely be the swim portion. Although I love wading in water, I have never been comfortable putting my face in the water. I think it stems back to when I was a toddler with tubes in my ears and my mom made me terrified to get my ears wet when we were at the pool.
Yes lots of adults have to get over the fear of the swim part. Maybe when your son learns to swim you can swim with him