The Sands of Time

Most all athletes that compete in an outdoor setting know how the elements can impact their performance on any given day. It’s probably the one thing we have the least control over in our preparations. While many may opt not to train in their sport when it is “too windy”, “too rainy”, or “too hot” (for example) these can be a great opportunity to give you a chance, mentally and physically, to get some experience in that environment. While you may not be able to get a PR ¹ under these conditions it doesn’t mean you can’t beat the person next to you if they are less prepared than you are.

Oregon Dunes Triathlon² was the first triathlon I did after I moved to Oregon. It’s also the first open water triathlon of the season in Oregon. I had found out last year that it is not a fast course. The bike course has a number of rolling hills, several steeper climbs, and some sharper corners, all of which make it harder to maintain speed and perceived effort. The run is similar, with about 50% of the course on trails, with a couple good hills and the unique final climb up a sand dune to the finish. Last year, I completed the course in 2:27:09.1. This year I completed it in 2:27:33.1 despite more training and better knowledge of the course. However, weather played a big role in this, which ultimately had its largest impact on my transitions.

The combined time for my swim, bike and run in 2016 was: 2:25:10
The combined time in 2017 was: 2:23:26 (1:44 faster)

Rain and colder weather prompted me to wear additional layers but still impacted my dexterity, which made it difficult to put on and take off clothes in addition to tying my running shoes. I don’t think I had given nearly enough thought into my transition on that day even though I was prepared with more clothes to stay dryer/warmer. Regardless, it was just one more reminder that in those final seconds transition time really can make all the difference. Fortunately, from a performance level I left feeling very positive about the race knowing that the time for my three events was faster than last year.

Getting a 3rd place overall finish was just icing on a very sandy cake.