Goals and Expectations

My first race of the season is a week away, and I need to set some goals.  The best way to do this is to review my results from last season, and compare them to where I am in my training.

2010 Races
Tri-Rock Rockwall
300 M Swim 8:24  Rate 2:48
T1 1:55
20K Bike: 44:33  Rate 16.7
T2 1:008
 5K Run 28:14 Pace 9:44 * The results from this race were mixed up and I don't believe the run time is accurate.  That pace would reflect closer to a 29 minute run.
Total Time 1:24:16
7th in Age Group

Toyota US Open Triathlon
800 M Swim 20:47 Rate 2:23
T1 3:57
20 K bike 44:44 Rate 16.6
T2 1:45
5K run 28:33 Pace 9:13 Total time 1:39:45
4th in Age Group

Swim Goal: The swim at Kemah will be 500 M which is right in the middle of the last two swim distances. I haven't had much time in the lake this season, and haven't yet built up my confidence in open water. My goal here is to remain calm during the swim, and to not spend the first two minutes in the water debating whether or not I will quit ( which is what I did at Toyota). Reminding myself that this is a shorter distance than a race I've already completed should help.  My goal is to keep my pace close to what I accomplished at Toyota, which would mean completing the swim in under 15 minutes.Not being able to swim for 2 months while my ankle healed was an issue in training for this race. I don't feel I am as strong in this area as I was in October.

Bike Goal: I've struggled with my bike training so far this season. The wind has beaten me, and I don't feel like my legs are as strong as they were before I injured my akle. However, I  do have actual bike shoes and new pedals, which I hope will contribute to faster bike time.  My time at  Toyota was actually a bit slower than at Tri-Rock. The obvious goal here is to beat both times from last season, so a pace of 17. 
Run Goal: Running is my strongest area.  I feel stronger in the run than I did in October, and I haven't struggled nearly as much here as with bike and swim after the ankle injury. The goal here is the keep below a 9 minute pace and finish in under 27 minutes.

Tranisition: T1 should be close to my time at Toyota, hopefully faster since I've had more practice shucking the wetsuit. I expect T2 to be slower since I'll have to actually change shoes here.

The main goal is the same for every race. To enjoy the experience and try my hardest. I'm looking forward to the entire weekend and can't wait to watch my husband race the following day.