Shamrock Farm’s Rockin Refuel YMCA Thanksgiving Day Triathlon

As I loaded my bike into the car and inserted the key into the ignition, I received 2 texts within seconds of each other. One read: «I’m here, unloading…», the other read: «I dropped off my bile already. Where are you?»
How could it be that both my Groupon-mate’s were already at the event, before I had even left? So I texted them back, and made my way to Goodyear, observing all traffic and penal codes.
It was a brisk AZ morning, so cold I felt ice cubes floating in my bladder… the cool light-​up kind. I followed the crowd and stood in a line, because everyone else was, only to find I was standing in the wrong line. So I stood in another line…
Yuko called while I was staging and racking my bike. Quickly finding me, we walked and waited for an hour inside her warm car. The guy in the minivan next to us, exited his vehicle to don a shorty wet suit. I found that extremely suspicious. If you see something, say something… which I did… to Yuko, who promptly rolled her eyes.
I strolled into the pool area to watch the remainder of the competing kids, and found Tori. We posed for a few snaps, and then made our way to the starting line. It was so cold. I couldnt see my breath, but I knew it was there… so I decided to run with my heavy pull over hoodie
As I jogged, I could feel my lungs starting to heave the chilled air, and by the canal, I detected the pungent stench of rotting carcases of fish… man, I hope they were fish
I was slow. The women’s corral released 2 minutes after the men’s corral. I’ve never been passed up by so many women… outside of that
speed dating debacle
But I wasnt here to run… biking was my secret weapon… unfortunately, the transition was not. It took a while to change shoes, take off the fleece hoodie (which kept sticking to my awesome bike jersey), grab a beverage, check my phone for check in comments, etc. However, after I mounted my trusty steed, I was off! Shortly after passing Yuko about 1.4 miles into the 12 mile course, I dropped my chain, and forgot I was clipped in. As my legs twitched to free my shoes from the pedals, Yuko unknowingly passed me. I re-​railed the chain, and took off for glory… passing Yuko again. My legs screamed out, and I said «whoa, shut-​up legs». We were neck and neck, as we rode back to the staging area. I yelled out: «If you find yourself biking alone, riding in the green fields with the sun on your face, do not be troubled. For you are in Elysium, and you’re already dead!»
Stripping down as the frosty air hang as heavy as a Wendy’s Frosty, I made my way to the pool. «Ouch, ooh, aah, ouchie, yeowch!» I muttered, traversing the asphalt rode that separated me from sweet liquid freedom, until I reached the rug at the timer check point. I jumped in feet first, and was elated by the warm elixir that surrounded me. The heated pool felt wonderful as I started on my strokes, which lasted 20m until I hit my predecessor’s foot. I paused a few brief seconds and stroked again, only to hit again. Maneuvering around her, I had successfully passed my first competitor. I started the second of eight lanes feeling superior, but the pool will not be disrespected, and I never trained on 50m lanes. The cold air came to thwart me again, as I started to breath heavily, causing me to feel like I wasnt getting enough oxygen. I flailed and floundered several times before emerging from the phlegm frappé that I helped add to.
I went and grabbed my gym bag from the staging area, hurting my bare feet on the asphalt, returning to the showers, which were warm and inviting. There was no soap, but I rinsed like I’ve never rinsed before, and it was glorious!

Very well organized event! I had a great time racing my first sprint triathlon on Thanksgiving morning in 2015. Sign up online was very easy. As the race day become close, they kept sending e-​mails with detailed instruction for how to pick up race packet and race day information. Picking up the race packet was available in Tempe about a week before the race day, it was nice as I didn’t have to drive too far to do so. The staff there gave several good suggestions on what to bring to the race, and what to expect on the race day. As a first timer, I didn’t know what to do.
I also read a lot of online articles about what to do and what not to do… I showed up one hour before the bike drop off time. (2:30am wake up, 4:00am left house and 5:00am arrived at the YMCA). I was the first 20 athletes to show up and secured a very nice spot for my bike. Depending on where you rack your bike, it makes difference when you are competing and a few mins makes a huge difference in your ranking. I set up my transition area with a spare towel and laid out all the gears I needed for bike and swim.
This is sprint, not Olympic, so much shorter distance. Many participants are so nice, experienced athletes were willing to share the tips. Wide variety of age group and fitness level participated the race. They have youth division and enjoyed watching kids trying their best.
Race day staff was very organized, they were there to assist and help you get moving smoothly. They were there also to cheer for you and it was helpful. Based on many e-​mails I received from them, many of them must be a volunteer. Since I enjoyed this event so much, I would like to volunteer at some of their upcoming events.
As for my personal experience, this was a challenge I accepted from a friend in September. I didn’t know how to swim nor I don’t even own a bike. The first day of swim lesson, all I could go was 10m. I joined the race with rental bike. I didn’t even own a pair running shoes until August. I ended up really enjoying a triathlon race. I have my eyes on the next race now. I will continue train until then.
Lesson learned from my first race: warm up properly before the race. I felt tightness in my muscle at the beginning and it was very hard to loose up. Bring family and friends to cheer for you! It actually helps.
Somethings I did right: Bring two sets up towels. One to lay out next to your bike to set up the transition area, show up early to secure good bike rack spot. Bring shampoo (they have lockers and showers to help you rise off after the race). Sandals to wear at shower. Big coat, hat and gloves to wear before the race. I had my east coast down coat with me and really helped to stay warm.