McWilley Is Going to Glide, Ride, And Stride This Saturday At The ATC Triathlon

My second sprint triathlon for the summer is just around the corner. This Saturday I will be participating in the ATC Triathlon, the race takes place at the ATC Hillside location. It's a sprint triathlon so I'll be swimming 325 meters, biking 10.5 miles and then finishing with 3.1 mile run. One interesting thing I've heard about this triathlon is that I'll be entering the pool via slide.

I haven't driven the bike course yet so I'm not sure if there are going to be any hills or not. Hills aren't the worse thing in the world when biking; but when you combine the panhandle wind pushing against you while riding up a hill it can make you fill like you're peddling in place.  I have a hybrid bike which is great for commuting to work and riding around town but it doesn't make me very aerodynamic. So if the wind is blowing, my 42-or-44 inch shoulder span is going to catch it.  To train for this, I've been doing a lot of  biking in the hot, windy afternoons in suedo hilly areas. I don't know that I'll be any faster but I'm more confident.

I have a few goals for this race--1) finish of course 2) finish faster than my previous race 3) have face transition times* and 4) don't walk during the run. I have a bad habit of taking a "breather walk" during 5K runs.

I'm adding two new pieces of gear to my arsenal for this race.
Gear Piece #1) A Nike Combat Compression Fitted Dri Fit Shirt. My first race I swam without a shirt on and nearly blinded everyone, plus it was one more thing I had to put on during my T1.* This shirt is skin tight so it won't get in my way while swimming or become a parachute while riding or running.
Gear Piece #2) Speed Laces. In my first triathlon it took me a while to get my shoes on because my feet were wet. Speed laces won't help me get my foot in the shoe faster, but once it's in there, I'll be able to lace it up faster and get out of there.

I'll post my race results next week. Wish me luck. If you are racing this weekend I'll see you out there and Good Luck.

*The best way I've heard transition described was a triathlon's "Chinese Fire Drill." But Wikipedia does a good job at actually describing what it is.

Transition areas are positioned both between the swim and bike segments (T1), and between the bike and run segments (T2) and are where the switches from swimming to cycling and cycling to running occur. These areas are used to store bicycles, performance apparel, and any other accessories needed for preparing and for the next stage of the race. The time spent in T1 and T2 are included in the overall time of the race. ^{via Wikipedia}