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A blog about training for my first triathlon

A brick

We had our first brick Saturday: a flat 17-mile ride followed by a 20-minute run. We started at the Fruit Valley Park in Vancouver. There is no restroom there, and I was, umm, well hydrated. Fortunately it was only a couple blocks down the road to a gas station (with fig bars!).

We all practiced changing flat tires, set up our transition areas, and headed out. After the first significant turn (a mile into the ride), 3 bikes had flats – probably pinch flats caused by the tire changing. My tire was fine during the ride, but it went flat right after the ride was over. Probably my own pinch flat :) .

We went out Frenchman’s Trail, more or less along the Columbia.

The first 8.5 miles of the out & back ride were pretty okay. But I was mightily annoyed to discover that we’d been riding with the wind; the ride back was a lot harder. Wildlife update: frogs (ribbit), ‘possum (stationary, by the side of the road), llamas, long-horn cattle, hawk nest on powerline pole, and Holstein cattle.

The transition was fine: remembered to take off my bike helmet, changed shoes, ate a couple bites of banana, and shuffled on down the road. Shuffling was hard work. No cramps, but my legs were pretty tight. After 15 minutes of alternating running & walking, my legs finally came back and I was able to make a triumphant return to the park.

I am happy to report that this is the last ride for my Frankenstein bike. I bought a smoking Specialized Sequoia on consignment at Sellwood Cycle. That store is great. Just great – good bikes & better people.

She’s got an aluminum frame, carbon fork, seat post, seat stay. And Dura-Ace/Ultegra components: 9-speed cassette & triple crank. I was able to ride her around for a couple miles around Sellwood and I love this bike. Now I just need a name for her. Suggestions?

Still sore from that brick, 3 days later. I did manage to get in the 25-minute run on Sunday.

Swimming last night was marginally better. When I keep it all together, I do pretty well. 18-19 strokes per 25 meters, nice small kick to keep my balance, and breathing every 4 strokes. It does fall apart pretty regularly though, especially when being recorded for analysis. I think I just need to keep swimming & relaxing, the slower the better. This week I hardly stopped at all at the drop-off from shallow to deep.

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