Tri Report--first tri done on my new road bike

[teawoman]

And wow! what a difference!

I did this tri 3 years ago when I was about 25 pounds heavier and my hybrid bike weighed 40 pounds (total loss almost 50 pounds ). 3 years ago, I was last with a time of 2:38 . The bike took me 1 hour and 35 mins. I just got the courage this year with the weight loss to try again...

and....

this time......

500 m swim 16 min something
20k bike 56:58
5k run 36 min something

Total: 1:51:14
Official results aren't out yet, so I will edit.

This is a VERY good time for me!!!! I took about 5 mins off the run from last time...swim was a bit slower but I was being a bit conservative because I was afraid of what was awaiting on the bike.

The bike was an out-and-back along a minor highway...6 mile out...downhill...6 mile back....mostly uphill! Not super steep hills, but pretty constant. It was about 20 mins out and 35 mins back with a headwind. Then I wiped out at the dismount line! Got off the bike and fell over. Have a nice bit of rash on my knee. It takes great talent to wipe out standing just about still. (I seem to recall I wiped at the mount line last time. Seems to be a tradition!).

Only problem I had was at the beginning of the run. My calves cramped up quite a bit and I had to run/walk for a few mins to stretch them out. That's never happened to me before. I chalk it up to not being used to the road bike. Or something.

I registered for another one next week! I am gonna take it a bit slower, but I do want to do it because we don't have fall tris here, so it's one of the last chances I have this year. I am so proud of myself. And love my bike!

THANK you for all the tips and encouragement you all gave me!

[Ladyrunner]

You did GREAT!! Congrats!!!

[KSH]

WOW! Look at you!

Dropping those times... great job!

Sounds like the road bike is just want you needed to give you that little extra boost.

Keep training... keep racing... and you will get better and better!

[Wahine]

Wow. That's 2/3 of an hour improvement!! That is fantastic.

[Skeezix]

Awesome job! That is some serious time droppage.

[alpinerabbit]

Wow - congrats on everything you did - particularly getting yourself a better bike!

Pics?????

[HappyAnika]

Great job, so happy to hear you love your bike.

The cramping could be caused by lactic acid build up, and/or electolyte imbalance. Did you eat or drink anything (other than water) on the bike? Next time I'd try an electrolyte drink on the bike and see if that helps.

Good luck on the next one!

[teawoman]

Great job, so happy to hear you love your bike.

The cramping could be caused by lactic acid build up, and/or electolyte imbalance. Did you eat or drink anything (other than water) on the bike? Next time I'd try an electrolyte drink on the bike and see if that helps.

Good luck on the next one!

Yup, I had gatorade in my li'l' camelbak on the bike. I didn't trust myself to finagle water bottles. My calves are the only thing left hurting (super tight!) as of today, so I hope I figure it out! I have been eating bananas like they are going out of style.

Thanks all!