My first race report - FIU Sprint Triathlon, Miami FL

smcinmiami
on 3/20/12 9:49 am - FL

I completed my first Sprint triathlon yesterday. It's always been one of those secret desires of mine, usually pops up at 2am when I can't sleep and somehow the Kona Ironman is on t.v. I remember watching that race thinking, "what would it feel like to do something like THAT? To ACCOMPLISH something like that?". Well, I still don't know, because my race was certainly NOT the Kona, but I do feel pretty damn great. Here are the details:

Swim - 1/4 mile ocean swin

Bike - 10 miles

Run - 5k

And here are my times!

Swim -10:06

T1 - 5:44

Bike -41:24

T2 -1:51

Run - 34:17

Overall - 1:33:24

So, the best part - I actually ranked #1 in the swim for my age/gender group! Clearly, I need to work on my bike and run times. I think my bike times will improve greatly once I actually get a road bike. I did this race on a mountain bike, and it felt like I was pedaling lead. The swim was amazing, I love being out there in the ocean. I was a little freaked out by all the other swimmers, some of whom swam OVER me. I need to learn to find my own space. The bike was tough, as I said, but better on the 2nd half of the ride when the wind was at my back. The run...oy vey. I freely admit I had never done a brick during my training, so I wasn't prepared for the jelly legs. And I'm not a runner yet. I am getting MUCH better, but need to keep training. But overall, I am so thrilled at my results, and so thrilled I did this.

Other observations -

Everyone was so nice! I got lots of encouragement from passing bikers or runners. It really made a difference.

I love the free food at the end of the race :)

And my final comments - this race was the end to a really great week. Last week alone, I reached my 4 month "surgiversary"and I also reached "onederland" ( am officially under 200 lbs). I have to say a big thank you to everyone who has given me constant encouragement both online and in person. I'm not going anywhere, but wanted to give a little recognition where it's due. Next for me - I'm getting into heavy lifting at the gym. I'm also looking at an 800M open water swim in April and another Sprint in August.

mcarthur01
on 3/20/12 11:51 am - Cumming, GA

RNY on 10/30/08

wow! congrats, that is a great result, especially for 4 months out. i don't think i was running a mile yet at 4 months out, let alone competing (well) in a sprint tri.

Where are we going?? And why am I in this handbasket??

right now. somewhere. somebody is working harder than you.

DANCBJAMMIN
on 3/20/12 12:24 pm - Fort Worth, TX

RNY on 01/14/08

This is what it's all about!!!! Congrats on absolutely ROCKING your first tri! Keep on truckin....

Your Friend In Health & Sport,

Dan Benintendi - OH Support Group Leader
www.trimywill.com
www.swimfromobesity.com
www.trimywill.blogspot.com
Support Group: www.obesityhelp.com/group/Post_Op_PRs/

Sue M.
on 3/20/12 10:43 pm - Nantucket, MA

RNY on 11/12/08

That's a great showing for ANYONE, but for someone 4 months out of major surgery and recent weight loss, that's freaking AMAZING!

Please do stick around our community - we need to be inspired by you!!

Congratulations!!!!!!!

Read my blog, BARIATHLETE I run because I can.

First 5K race October 4, 2009 (34.59) PR 5/22/11 (27:26)
First 5 Mile: January 1, 2011 (50:30)
First 10K: July 4, 2010 (1:03.26) New PR 4/10/11 (1:01.14)
First 10 Mile: April 11, 2010 (1:46.15)
First 1/2 marathon: June 13, 2010 (2:22.21) PR: 5/1/11 (2:17.30)
First Marathon: October 16, 2011: 5:47:20
Goofy Challenge: January 7-8, 2012
If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you're right. - Mary Kay Ash

smcinmiami
on 3/20/12 10:45 pm - FL

VSG on 11/16/11

Thanks Sue, but you've got it wrong, you all are the ones who have inspired me!

Sue M.
on 3/21/12 3:34 am - Nantucket, MA

RNY on 11/12/08

well, on behalf of us "old folks", I thank you, but trust me, we are all very inspired by newer people taking the plunge!!! It's wonderful to share in your excitement!

Read my blog, BARIATHLETE I run because I can.

First 5K race October 4, 2009 (34.59) PR 5/22/11 (27:26)
First 5 Mile: January 1, 2011 (50:30)
First 10K: July 4, 2010 (1:03.26) New PR 4/10/11 (1:01.14)
First 10 Mile: April 11, 2010 (1:46.15)
First 1/2 marathon: June 13, 2010 (2:22.21) PR: 5/1/11 (2:17.30)
First Marathon: October 16, 2011: 5:47:20
Goofy Challenge: January 7-8, 2012
If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you're right. - Mary Kay Ash

KatCooper
on 3/21/12 12:30 am - Collierville, TN

RNY on 06/30/11

I love it!!!!!! I am so inspired by your accomplishment!!! I keep thinking I want to try a Tri!!!! Congrats on your first Tri PR!!!!

Kat

Lots of 5K's, 10K's., 4 1/2 Marathons, 3 Sprint Triathlon done. 2 Olympics and my First IRONMAN 70.3 September 2013 and First Full Marathon Dec 2013 !!!!!

My blog- www.NPRunner.blogspot.com

Paul C.
on 3/21/12 12:42 am - Cumming, GA

RNY on 07/16/10

Awesome job! Huge Kudos for rockin a Tri so soon after surgery!

Paul C.
First 5K 9/27/20 46:32 - 11 weeks post op (PR 28:55 8/15/11)
First 10K 7/04/2011 1:03 First 15K 9/18/2011 1:37
First Half Marathon 10/02/2011 2:27:44 (PR 2:24:35)
First Half Ironman 9/30/12 7:32:04