Trakai Triathlon 2023

  The triathlon in Trakai was my first ever, and I began preparing for it right after my first marathon in Kaunas. After the marathon, I started swimming training in the pool and paid more attention to cycling training. I had a little over two months to prepare, which was enough for me to complete the entire distance at a steady pace and get the most enjoyment out of it.

 The Olympic distance I participated in included 1.5 kilometers of swimming, 40 kilometers of cycling, and 10 kilometers of running. The first swimming stage took place in Lake Galvė, near the picturesque Trakai Castle... 

  I completed the first stage, swimming 1.5 kilometers, in 31 minutes and then ran to the transition zone...

  There, I put on my running shoes, cycling helmet, and glasses, pinned my number, and started the second stage... 

  The cycling part consisted of three laps on a car road, each a little over 13 kilometers. The road was closed off for the event, and spectators lined the route to support the participants.

  I wasn't yet accustomed to riding with clipless pedals, so I decided to ride in running shoes with strap pedals for my first triathlon...

  I completed the 40 kilometers in 1:16. The cycling route included a few climbs. My goal for the first triathlon was to maintain an average speed of no less than 30 kilometers per hour, and overall, I exceeded my plan, knowing that cycling is my weakest discipline...

  Reaching the transition zone and leaving the bike, I immediately started the third stage, my favorite—running...   

 After swimming and cycling, it was hard to get into the rhythm and stabilize my running pace. The route went through the old streets of the settlement and included four laps of 2.5 kilometers each...

  After the fifth kilometer, I got a second wind, and I completed the third stage in 43 minutes...

  My total time was 2:32, with almost 2 minutes spent in the transition zones... 

  The Trakai triathlon became one of the best sporting events of 2023 for me. It was my first triathlon, with many unknowns, and everything was very interesting and dynamic. I truly enjoyed the atmosphere and the process. Moreover, the location was fantastic for the event, with beautiful nature near Lithuania's iconic Trakai Castle...