One thing I love about triathlon, is that there are always opportunities to learn. Races in particular, especially races like the one I had yesterday, are great for learning. So what were the top three things that I learned yesterday.
I need to become a better swimmer, when breathing to the right.
I need to get faster at changing my tube, when I get a flat.
According to my bike computer, I was stopped for just under eight minutes, while changing my tube during the race. While not a complete disaster, I do think I should be able to complete a tube change in five minutes or less. The thing I struggled with most, was getting my tire off the wheel rim. I think this was mostly because, in my haste to get the tube changed, I was rushing and not thinking. I didn’t take the time to push the tire bead off of the rim, all the way around the wheel. Changing a tube is definitely something I need to practice more often.
If bad things happen, your race is not over.
This lesson, is something I did well. Even with a rough swim and a flat on the bike, I didn’t quit. After my swim, I pushed hard on the bike. After my flat, I continued to push hard on the bike and I ran really well. I ended up 3rd in my age group and was only a minute, behind the guy who came second. My motto on the Road ID band I wear is “Don’t Stop, Never Quit”. Yesterday, I was able to do that.