Second sprint triathlon of the season: Blue Lake Park All Women’s, August 1

[salsabike]

This is Latourell Falls, our favorite on the little waterfall tour. Check out the close-up with the different basalt formations. Really beautiful!

[KSH]

Looks like you had a great race! Congratulations!

I can't believe they let you wear a wetsuit. Here in Texas, if the water is warm, wetsuits are not legal.

Great job overall!

Yeah, at my last sprint, I never stopped breathing heavy the whole race. I was shocked I didn't get a side cramp from it.

[salsabike]

I can't believe they let you wear a wetsuit. Here in Texas, if the water is warm, wetsuits are not legal.

You know, I wondered about that too. But they had a sign saying the water temp was 75, which is still USAT-wetsuit legal (and it wasn't even a USAT-sanctioned race, so the organizers did not have to state a wetsuit temperature limit, and they didn't). It FELT incredibly warm to me and I think it would have been pleasanter and easier to have gone without. My coach texted HER coach asking about the advisability of wearing a wetsuit in her own race the next day, and the message back was "Wetsuit always." It did make me contemplate a sleeveless one for next year, though.

And thanks for the encouragement. It's nice to know that even the Ironman completers among us huff through sprints (albeit much faster).

[Tri Girl]

Great job, Salsa!!! I LOVED all your pictures, and think you look really strong in every pic. Congrats on a great race. Sorry about the overheating in the wetsuit. I'm glad it was only a sprint so you didn't have to be hot in your suit for too long. Congrats!

Oh, and I'll bet I can "beat" your slow run time this weekend when I race. I've only been running about once every other week (knee issues).

[colby]

I have the same "don't ever catch your breath" feeling during sprints, too. We all have at LEAST that in common. I have to tell myself to slow down to eat so I can at least put something in me on the bike - even if I'm only out for 90 minutes, that's too long to go with no food.

Nice improvement on your swim times, and that is a good solid bike time. Running the whole way consistently is a HUGE victory and just because you're slow doesn't make it any less sweet. It took me a couple of years before I'd even dream of running the whole thing consistently, slow or no - I would either go out too fast or feel too dead from the bike or am very affected by the heat/sun.

USAT is something like 78 for non-pros for wetsuits, which seems silly, but I don't think they separate sleeveless from full suits. I do think a sleeveless is really nice for those 70-75 degree swims (maybe colder, depending on your tolerance, like 65-75).

PS: The waterfall pics were stunning, too. Way cool.

[Shiraz]

Way to go Salsa ! You looked strong and happy! What an amazing place to be. Loved the pictures! You write great RR. Thanks for sharing. It helps me so much to read everyones reports. I learn so much and it helps to know that we are all feeling much of the same fears and concerns. Sorry that you are having hip pain. Don't worry about the run times sounds like you are strong!

[NbyNW]

What a great weekend for you, especially the improvement on the swim!

Congrats -- you worked hard for it!

[northstar]

Way to go!

Thank you for sharing the pictures...they are fantastic!

[KSH]

You know, I wondered about that too. But they had a sign saying the water temp was 75, which is still USAT-wetsuit legal (and it wasn't even a USAT-sanctioned race, so the organizers did not have to state a wetsuit temperature limit, and they didn't). It FELT incredibly warm to me and I think it would have been pleasanter and easier to have gone without. My coach texted HER coach asking about the advisability of wearing a wetsuit in her own race the next day, and the message back was "Wetsuit always." It did make me contemplate a sleeveless one for next year, though.

And thanks for the encouragement. It's nice to know that even the Ironman completers among us huff through sprints (albeit much faster).

I WISH I had purchased a sleeveless wetsuit as my wetsuit. I am contemplating selling the current full wetsuit that I own. The sleeveless made the world of difference to me... aka: I didn't mind swimming in it.

Ah, not USAT sanctioned... got it. Some RD's are kinder than others when it comes to wetsuits. One of our local RD's is very strict about no wetsuits and makes sure the water is below 75 degrees if he is going to allow them. He's just like that.

HA! Trust me, long distance stuff is way different than shorter stuff. Gosh, my thighs were shaking before my last sprint! I've been racing for 5 years and I was nervous! And once I hit the water I was full speed and my HR NEVER went down the whole race. That's a sprint for ya!