Julie's First Tri: Lake Meridian, WA

Ok, Dan you were right: I'm already thinking about the next race. Is it too early to say I am addicted? I am sitting here, anxiously waiting results of my race...

While I outwardly spoke out that my goal for my first triathlon (sprint at Lake Meridian, WA) was to finish the race. Quietly I knew this wasn't enough I wanted a good showing; its the competitor in me. So I was thrilled when things went smoothly...like not getting a flat tire and no digestive issues. Thanks for getting me prepared for this. Also a big thanks to my friends Schuyler and Tara for showing me the ropes and doing the race with me.

I was a little concerned about how I was going to perform after only an hour's nights rest. The night before a race I can never seem to sleep...we will need to cover this as a topic later on! Luckily the previous night I had slept well. Breakfast consisted of a pb&j, banana, and a Gatorade Prime. Everything stayed down (as opposed to the day of my first half marathon.)

I definitely was pretty intimidated when we arrived at the race and started to set up transition. People have some fancy bikes and some pretty techy gear. I didn't let it get to me thought, I mean my goal was to just finish, right?

This tri started with a deep water start, and with the temperature of the water at 74 degrees (warmer than the air) it was a pretty comfortable and calming pre-start. Of course once everyone started, I definitely felt the "washing machine" effect and at one point just stopped cause there was no where to go. One swimming for about 5 minutes I was able to find my own space and get in the groove. Reviewing the race, the swimming was actually my favorite leg! I think I definitely entered "the zone."

I was definitely worried last night about not being fully prepared for the bike. I had really only been on that particular bike twice! Also, I was doing this race without the proper equipment to change a tire. I was just hoping that I wouldn't have to stop racing if a tire went flat. Phew! Another thing I learned was to take the bike for a little spin after taking it out of the car. When I first jumped on the bike, my gears were not catching and I almost thought I was going to have to get off the bike. I think I should have just double checked everything before I put it on the rack! Another topic we will have to discuss in the future is rules of drafting and passing. While this triathlon was not super strict, for future races it would be nice to know to avoid penalty.

The run was definitely the worst leg. Although going in I was thinking that this would be my strong part, I was not prepared for the tightness and jelly feeling (how contradictory) that I was going to feel. The first mile was definitely the worst as it felt like I was running on new legs. As I continued to run I could feel my legs loosening up a little more which allowed me to increase my stride. I think in my continued training I want to practice more bike/run bricks to help tackle this feeling.

Overall, this was an awesome experience! The weather was ideal and French toast was served for athletes...uh, awesome! I will post my times when they are made available. Really stoked to see how I did...especially when I had no expectations for how fast I would be going in. Will keep you posted.

Bike Week: Gear to Have

Julie: What kind of equipment do I need to be carrying on my bike?

Dan:
Your bike bag should include:

Spare tube- for road bike (700 x 23 ) - I use the presta valve that twist to open with a 60 mm stem for my tri bike (I have Reynolds strike wheels that have a deep wheel base) and 48mm stem for my road bike.

Image courtesy of: http://heartnsole.net/articles/bike-pictionary-bicycle-tubes-pg187.htm

Tire levers - These usually come in packs to two or three (really only need one). These will fit between the tires and the wheel. Slide the lever along the wheel while pulling away from the tire, this will release one side of the tire from the wheel which will allow you to access the tube.Image courtesy of: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-replace-a-flat-tire-on-a-road-bike/step3/Using-tire-levers-pry-tire-from-wheel/

CO2 Cartridge with valve-One the tube is inserted back into the tire and placed back on the wheel this is the fastest way to add pressure back to the tube. A 16G CO2 will inflate your tire to about 100-110 PSI and a 20G cartridge will inflate your tube to about 120-125 PSI. I ride either Verdestein or Schwalbe tires and since I inflate the verdestein to 130-240 PSI and the Schwalbe to 130 PSI. Most riders will inflate their tires to 120 PSI.

Skins- These are patches that will fit on the inside of the tire and can be used when you receive a small puncture in the tire.

I always carry an additional CO2 cartridge in case one blows before you can properly inflate your tire and I usually carry a second spare tube (when on a training ride) and if your tires are older (1000 plus miles) you may want to consider carrying a spare tire as well. On race day, I will not carry a bike bag on a shorter distance race, but a race that is an Olympic distance or longer I will carry one.

One thing I did not realize when I first started riding was you should inflate your tires each time you ride. You will lose some PSI on each ride and if not inflated every time you are not getting the maximum performance out of your tires and you will be working harder than others.

If you get a flat on your back tire, before loosening the skewer to take off the wheel, put the chain on the smallest ring in the back, it will make it easier to take the wheel off.

If you get a flat while training, take the time to find the puncture in the tube and match your tube to the tire and look for anything lodged in your tire on the inside and out. The worst thing that can happen is to replace the tube and have it punctured again due to not looking for the cause of the problem.

While on training rides, train with your phone in case anything happens and always ride with a friend or a ROAD ID.

Bike Week: How to Change a Flat Tire

I have yet to even attempt to change a tire yet. Not only do I not know where to start, I realize now I don't even have the special tools to do so. I watched a few videos and found this one to be very informative and thorough. Don't get too distracted by the pretty bikes in the background. Enjoy the accent.