So I analyzed the data....

I downloaded the results from the Peachtree City Super Sprint Triathlon that I participated in last year.  My goal for all three triathlons was to survive.  Lol.  DONE!  Lol.  After re-evaluating the data from the PTC SS 2011, I noticed that some changes could easily be made.

The PTC Super Sprint Triathlon consists of a 300 yard swim, 8 mile bike, 2 mi run.  Very short.  The bike and run are relatively flat with rolling hills.

Here's a breakdown of my times:

• Swim:    8:46
• T1:        4:13
• Bike:    33:27
• T2:        1:27
• Run:     20:11

Total time:  1:08:01 (7th out of 12).  Not too shabby for a first timer.

I placed 3rd in the run (within my age group 25-29 Female), but the pace surprised me.  I don't run that slow!  >:(  I nearly last in the swim.  Needless to say my swim SUCKS!  Lol.  I was mid-pack for the bike part.

Now this year I'm going to be in a different age group.  I'll be in the 30-34 Female group.  To most people, they would think that the older the age group, the slower the times.  However from my observations, in triathlons, the older people get better times.  It's a little backwards.  :)

So I looked at the results for the 30-34 age group and the first, second, & third place times were, 50:49, 56:26, 57:06.  Also, the first and second placers were 34 years old last year.  Now granted not everyone returns to do the same event every year.  However, if they did, the first two will be going to the next age group so I don't need to worry about them.  :)

I figured out that if I trimmed time off of certain parts of the race, that I actually have a chance at placing within my age group!  Here are my two sets of goals:

MIN GOAL:

• Swim:   7:00
• T1:       2:30
• Bike:   30:00
• T2:        1:00
• Run:    19:00
• TOTAL:  59:30

BIG GOAL:

• Swim:   6:30
• T1:       2:00
• Bike:   27:00
• T2:       0:30
• Run:    18:30
• TOTAL:   54:30

I've changed my focus this year.  Instead of training each individual sport like I did last year (I was trying to stick with plans found in some triathlon resource books), I'm training for conditioning and higher fitness.  I can do the three sports back-to-back-to-back.  I proved that last year.  However, I want would like to perform at a higher level this year.  So my training sessions are more intense and there are more of them.  I will be combining sessions more often also.  It's working so far...  More on that later....  :)