At just 19, Sacha loves taking on new challenges. After competing in biathlon at national level for seven years, she shifted her focus to running three years ago, while keeping that same hunger for competition and pushing her limits. Always chasing new goals, she decided to set herself a fresh challenge, finishing her very first triathlon.
On June 7, she lined up at the start of the AlpsMan Xperience (Sprint distance), on the shores of Lake Annecy, with one real goal in mind, to cross the finish line, and maybe even break two hours. With RunMotion Coach guiding her preparation, and despite a knee injury that made training more complicated, she ended up completing her first triathlon in 1:42. Today, she looks back on that first experience, her training, and the lessons she took from it.
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How did your first triathlon go?
My very first triathlon went really well overall. It was an amazing experience! I was a bit nervous about linking all three disciplines together, but in the end it went smoothly. Of course it was hard, but it never felt impossible. For the swim, the start was a rolling start, so we went off in waves of 10. As I was getting into the water, I lost my bracelet and still decided to go back for it, so I turned around… Don’t make the same mistake I did, take off ALL your bracelets and rings!
Coming out of the swim, my head started spinning and I really struggled with the transition, especially when I had to stand on one leg to put my socks on, yes, we’re team socks here. At the start of the bike leg, I then lost my gel, it fell out of my pocket, so at that point I told myself the stars really weren’t lining up for me. What was going to happen next?!
In the end, everything went well and I managed to pass quite a few athletes on the climb!
For the run, nobody lied to me, it was the hardest part! My legs felt light for the first few hundred meters and I went out a little too fast because I was overconfident.
Even for my first triathlon, I really wanted to go under two hours, and in the end I crossed the line in 1:42, so the goal was more than achieved!
How did you handle the training for your first triathlon?
For the prep, I trusted RunMotion Coach. Since I had a knee injury throughout the whole build-up, I had to set a lot of my running sessions aside, which is the part I enjoy most, but I didn’t have a choice!
So I focused more on swimming, with plenty of pool work at first and then open water in the final weeks, and on the bike, stacking regular rides. I really loved the swimming section in the app because when you’re not really sure how to approach it, like me, it gives you a solid set of drills that makes the laps go by faster…
In the last week, I completely backed off training to stay fresh, but I did my first faster running session the day before the race! I wasn’t super confident because it had been several months since I’d run quicker than 5:30/km, but in the end that didn’t stop me from running 5:00/km the next day!
What do you like most about the app?
With RunMotion Coach, I could adjust my plan around my availability because I had to juggle an internship, my studies, and training, and it wasn’t exactly easy. I could also adapt my running sessions so I only did one easy run per week, not ideal, but I was injured.
Being able to switch sessions around at the last minute was really great!
What made you want to do a triathlon?
I’ve always swum, cycled, and done a lot of running, so I thought, why not give it a try? At first, the thing that held me back most was the swim because even though I’m a strong swimmer, I didn’t feel ready to do it in open water, out in the middle of nowhere and with no breaks.
I was also looking for a new goal that demanded consistent, committed training, which I had really missed since I stopped racing on skis.
After your first triathlon, what will you do differently next time?
The first thing I’d do differently is make sure my gel is properly secured on the bike so it doesn’t fall out, and also avoid solid food, which is why it’s so important to properly test your nutrition beforehand, unlike me… I had no choice but to eat a bar on the bike, and I honestly found that really hard, especially having to chew and swallow it.
Then for the swim, I think I handled the start well because I didn’t feel like I went out too fast. Of course, next time I’ll remember to take off all my jewelry!
As for the transitions, it’s clear I need to work on them more, but for a first attempt, I didn’t do too badly.
In terms of race management, I’d like to improve the run, which got pushed a bit to the side and where I was basically telling myself, I’ll do what I can with whatever’s left.
After this first triathlon, what’s your next sporting challenge?
This first triathlon really made me fall in love with the sport, and I knew straight away I wanted to do another one! So in early September, I’ll be racing the Sprint distance at the Triathlon d’Évian, and I seriously can’t wait!
Then, still in September, I’ve got a 10K in Chambéry, where I’d finally like to beat my PR. But triathlon comes first!
This first triathlon was only the start of the adventure for Sacha, who has already planned new challenges for the coming months. Her experience shows that with the right preparation, consistency, and a flexible training plan, it’s absolutely possible to get to the start with confidence, even in a sport you’re discovering for the first time.
Got a sporting goal in mind too? Whether it’s your first 10K, a marathon, or a triathlon, RunMotion Coach supports you with a personalized training plan that adapts to your schedule, your level, and your constraints. Download the app and start chasing your next goal!