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My First Triathlon - Post Race Lessons (Part 4)

Jul 03, 2024

After the race, I rehydrated with some Gatorade and water, then found my fiancée to take some celebratory photos. Missing out on a massage because they were closing up, we rested for an hour or two in the car and in Huntsville before driving back to Toronto. Muscle soreness peaked on Tuesday, making it hard to move. Reflecting on the experience, I realized I needed more open water swims to get used to the darkness, waves, depth, and crowded conditions. My training needed improvement, especially in managing my heart rate and incorporating more hill training. Better nutrition management, like using gels instead of Clif Bars, and gear upgrades, including a race belt and a triathlon bike, would have helped. Losing weight and maintaining a steady pace throughout the race were also key areas for improvement.

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My First Triathalon - The Race (Part 3)

Jun 30, 2024

Race day started at 4:00 am, fueled by PB&J sandwiches and a mixture of nerves and excitement. Transition setup went smoothly, but the real challenge began at the swim start. Panic set in as I struggled to breathe in the cold, dark water, realizing too late that I hadn’t acclimated the day before. Despite multiple stops to cling to a kayak and catch my breath, I pushed forward, battling fear and exhaustion. Emerging from the water after an hour felt like a victory in itself.

The bike leg greeted me with rain and relentless hills. Cramping from the swim, I persevered, relying on Clif Bars and Gatorade to keep me going. The final 20 kilometers were the toughest, but sheer determination got me through.

The run was a test of willpower. Cramping and a spiking heart rate slowed my pace, but I kept moving, fueled by aid station supplies and the drive to finish. Crossing the finish line, I felt relief more than anything else—relief that I had conquered my fears and pushed through immense physical challenges.

The Muskoka 70.3 was not just a race; it was a journey of grit, determination, and self-discovery. It taught me that with perseverance, anything is possible.

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My First Triathlon - The Training (Part 2)

Jun 28, 2024

I began my triathlon journey with swimming, assuming it would be the easiest part, only to find it the most challenging all the way to race day. Following Motiv's guide, I swam consistently every Monday and Wednesday, sometimes adding Fridays. I didn't incorporate drills until April 2023, when Daniel, a competitive swimmer, helped me improve my technique. Despite reaching a pool distance of 3000m and comfortably swimming 2000m at 2:20/100m, open water swimming in Lake Ontario three times (600m/1000m/400m) proved insufficient. My swim training improved from 2:40 to 2:20, peaking at 2:10min/100m. However, I frequently panicked in new gear or unfamiliar pools, hyperventilating and struggling with breathing due to poor CO2 expulsion. Although I slowly acclimated with each session, these issues posed a significant challenge on race day.

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My First Triathlon - About Me (Part 1)

Jun 25, 2024

Completing an Ironman was always a bucket list item. I used swimming as an exercise periodically, and in 2022, I started swimming again (500m each time). I thought that swimming was the hardest part, and if I could already do that, then I could push myself and consider a triathlon.

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