The Sprint Triathlon

Yesterday was the teams sprint triathlon practice. Organizing was a bit of a mess. Due to the drought we didn't get a permit for any open water swims so we had to figure out how to get everyone through the pool. The plan was to use Burgess' largest pool with buoys for the team to swim around. Then the heater went out. Plan B, get a wetsuit or swim earlier in the smaller heated pool.

At the last minute they changed the start time from 9am to 8am, arrival time from 8am to 7-7:30. I was almost out of the house when the kids woke up and by then it was impossible to leave and arrive in time for the team practice. I decided that since I always ended up separated from the team anyway I would just do a tri myself.

After getting the kids fed and settled I handed over the reigns to Jeff, jumped on my bike and headed to the neighborhood pool. I swam 17 laps (a little more than .5 mile), then got ready to ride the bike. Lesson about this first transition, get socks that slip on easier when you are slightly wet. I wrapped up my goggles & cap in the towel and went out for my ride. I swung by the house and threw the towel into the yard and then headed off.

About 3 miles from the house I figured I felt pretty good so I decided I would bike a full 25 miles. I decided to head over to my new office and turn around at the 12.5 mile point. I wasn't really sure how far the office was but I thought I would get pretty close to the Google campus. It was a great ride because there were no cars out on the roads because the route follows the border of Moffett most of the way. It turns out my new office is exactly the halfway mark. At this point I was wishing I had my badge to go to the bathroom.

I headed home and this was a much quicker ride. I think the wind was in my favor and I decided to make sure I checked how the wind blew on the big island for race day. I took me a little longer than an hour for the entire bike ride so I wanted to work on this. The good news is that I tried out my new Gu/Water Bottle. I love the chocolate Gu and expect this to be my favorite part of the race. The combo bottle was good, but I didn't have the top on completely so made a mess on the first big squeeze. I think I'll get another of these bottles.

When I got to the house I grabbed my next transition bag and quickly got my shoes on and the bike put away. I ran in the house to hit the potty real quick before trying to run. The lesson at this transition is, get a two piece bathing suit. I can't image trying to use the porta-potties during the race with one-piece suit I've been wearing for practice. I drank some water and popped some electrolyte gel squares.

Given how much I don't like running I figured I would probably cut the run short just because I hate the running part. I took off from the house to Lafayette. I made it past the post office. I knew I probably needed to run to the golf course to get the full distance. Once that was done I headed home.

I got home even before Grandma Cindy arrived. I took over the kids while Jeff got dressed and I cleaned the house. I took a quick shower and when Grandma Cindy arrived we all went out to lunch. This day felt super productive and it wasn't even noon.

I was surprised that I was not more tired. It wasn't what I expected at all. I'm either ready, or I'm going to really suck wind during the race. I do need to do a few things before we leave for Hawaii.

1. Swim a full mile. I always do less. I kinda get bored or feel like I just need to breathe normally.
2. Get a two piece suit that I'll be able to run in.
3. Get new socks.
   
4. Put my transition lists together (swim->bike), (bike->run)
5. Look at the Lavaman course.
6. Figure out sun screen during the transitions.

10 days until I leave.....