Shawnigan sprint report

I was very very nervous about this sprint because it would be my first open water race. I didn't get a lot of sleep the night before but I had everything packed and was ready to go.

At 4 am the alarm went off but didn't really need it cause I was up he he.. I had my favorite breaky and Ivan and I got the truck loaded and we were off at 5 am.

We took the shuttle bus to the race site which was kind of neat cause it reminded me off being a school kid. I took a bus for years while in school.

We went straight to our bikes to get our gear all ready for T1, the whole time I kept looking at that water and wondering how all this was going to go. It was nice to see some friends there who came by to cheer us on. Plus our Tri Guy was getting ready for his half ironman, so got to be there for him as well.

The big cannon went off for the half ironman at 7 am and they were off. I was watching intensely, thinking to myself,"hey that doesn't look to bad!"

Well shortly after that we went up to our bikes to get our wet suits on and headed back for the beach. I put my feet in and found out it was pretty cold but I could do this. I went for a short warm up and I felt great! Perfect stroke and everything. Our gun went off at 7:40 and I was near the back and felt like I was ok there. I started swimming and at about 100-200 meters in I was being swam over and boy did that scare me! I took in a lot of water so when I came back up for air all I could do was choke and bob up and down. Then I tried again.. I was kicked in the face and hit in the head with some elbows, so again I was choking. The one volunteer was coming towards me and I too was thinking;"this is it, it's not worth it!" I wanted to quit, but I am very stubborn and I talked myself out of it. I carried on but I could not get my stroke back so I took single side breath's and even with that I did pass many other swimmers. I sure did not want to be the last out of the water. I made it to the beach and was proud of me for sticking it out.

I ran to my T1 knowing I had a lot of time to make up cause that swim was almost 12 minutes and I know I could have done it in 10. Anyways I was getting that wet suit off just how I was taught and it was going well but all of a sudden I got really dizzy and fell over. I had to sit there until the dizziness was gone. I finished with a terrible T1 time but got out of there and knew I could do some damage on my bike!

I started off not to good, I thought I was clipped in but wasn't so had to try to get clipped in again but no big deal. My legs felt great so I picked it up. I was looking down at my speed and I was clipping a long. I got to this one hill and had just passed a gal and my chain dropped so had to pull over to the side and put it back on. I was thinking may be this was not going to be a great race for me. Also the Gal passed me while I was fixing my chain. I got back on and was determined to fly pass her and make up some more time, and I did. I also drank every 10 minutes mostly Gatorade and boy did that work. No sugar lows at all. At one point I looked at my average and I was averaging 31.75kms, my fastest ever for a average! My bike was overall awesome! I had one of my fastest rides ever and passed many people.

My T2 was so much better then T1. I also have to thank Hubby for my quick laces in my running shoes.. time saver, big time! I couldn't believe how good my legs were still feeling. No heavy feeling at all! so I started my run off with some zip. I knew I had to make up more time. I ran pass a few people and when I was just about at the turn around and there was Hubby looking strong and we high fived each other. I picked it up after the turn around and passed about 3 more people and headed home. I flew to the finish looking at the time and was very happy with my time.. 1:24:46. I also still had so much energy.

I was 57/96 overall, 19/42 out of all the females and 8/15 in my age group, so not bad for a beginner. I have alot of work to do in transition and I really need to get over my fear of the swim, cause I am terribly afraid to do it again but I know I will. We now are only 4 weeks out from our first half ironman! I will be ready!!