make a run for it: Going Olympic

Tomorrow morning I'll be taking on my first ever Olympic distance triathlon...which also happens to be my second tri ever. I included this race in my schedule mainly as a solid training effort to see where I'm at before the Vineman 70.3, but also to get some mental prep going into it. I'm confident I can cover each of the distances (1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run), I'm just a little nervous about putting them all together. I'm most nervous about the swim, since it will be the longest open water swim I've done. I've swam well beyond that distance in a pool, but obviously a lake is pretty different. I'm also dreading the bike and run courses, which are dull to say the least. The whole race takes place in Rancho Seco Park, which is basically a power plant, not making for the most scenic race. The bike is a 12 mile out-and-back on the same stretch of road with no shade, and the run is another out-and-back on fire roads and trail within the park, again with very little shade. Luckily the weather is supposed to be a little more mild tomorrow (low 80s), so hopefully that doesn't change! While I'm not really planning to "race" this, I do have some time goals that I would like to hit, just based off where I've been with my training.

swim (1.5k): 35 min

This may be a total stretch, but I'm going off my pool times which have been around this time and have also included rest breaks. More than anything, though, my goal is to be steady and consistent and finish feeling relatively good. I did a practice open h2o swim earlier this week (more on that later) and had a mixed experience. My wetsuit was the wrong size, there was a strong current, and my breathing was a little tough, but I went further than I thought I could and practiced my mental state. Tomorrow I'll be using a new wetsuit and hopefully the adrenaline from the race will make the swim fly by.

bike (40k): 1:25-1:30

I seem to pretty easily be able to average 17 mph, so I'm aiming to hit at least that. I would like to turn in a slightly faster time, and I think I'm capable of it, but I'll just have to see what kind of day it is. More than anything, I just hope I don't fall or *knock on wood* get my first flat!

run (10k): 55-60 min

I've had some really great runs the last couple times, and I'm hoping that carries over to the race. My biggest goal here is to not go out to fast. On my brick workouts I tend to start off much faster than my usual pace, but I have to remind myself that this is a longer distance. I want to focus on effort, and definitely push myself, but I don't want to blow up either.

I'd like to keep my transition time to less than 10 minutes for both T1 and T2, and finish around or just under 3:30. I know a lot is going to depend on what kind of day I have, but I have my fingers crossed that it all goes well and I at least feel strong throughout.

As far as transitions go, I've got all my stuff laid out and ready to go, and I've gone over my routine that I used for my first triathlon. I'd like to keep my transition time to less than 10 minutes for both T1 and T2, and finish around or just under 3:30 for the whole thing. I know a lot is going to depend on what kind of day I have, but I have my fingers crossed that it all goes well and I at least feel strong throughout. I also keep reminding myself that I'll be out there 3+ hours, so I plan on taking in a little extra fuel throughout the race so I don't risk bonking. And lots of sunscreen and water, too : ) I don't know if I really feel ready per say, but I am excited. It's been almost a year since my first taste of triathlon and I'm ready to see what I can do! Wish me luck!