I fully expected to use a wetsuit as I have a fear of drowning, but the water temperature didn't allow for it. I was still going to wear the wetsuit but I would have had to start in the last wave and I wanted to be with my training partners so I ditched the wetsuit.
The first 300-400m, the rookie panic set in. Some people grabbed my feet and a little crowding going on. Grabbed every possible kayak during that stretch for a couple seconds. Then I swam onto the wrong side of the buoy so to correct myself, I swam back onto the course, but too far into the middle where there was nothing to really grab on to. This forced me to swim my normal swim and I got into my normal rhythm. If it kept record, the 2nd half of my swim was definitely better than the first half. As I got out of the water, I was completely disoriented. Walked side-to-side for a little while cuz of dizziness.

NOT PANIC. Swim onto the other side of the course (away from the buoys) to avoid others and get more space. Overall, a great learning experience.

Dizzy, very dizzy. The switch from swimming horizontal and getting out of the water was a struggle. Almost fell over in front of the crowd. Walked thru transition. Started trotting out to the bike mount line.

Get out of the water better, someway, somehow.

I drank too much liquid during this. Could've been the Gatorade. Enjoyed the bike course a lot, not too difficult as my training rides have been longer and more difficult with challenging hills.

Not drink Gatorade. Drink less towards the end of the bike ride to prep for the run. Possibly go harder for the race.

Came to a complete stop to dismount the bike. Very rookie like. But oh well. Still did well on the bike portion of the tri.

Work on getting on and off the bike for race purposes.

Thought I could make up some time but my legs weren't listening to my brain for some reason.

Do more bricks.

4 beers and food from the food tent.


Nothing. Could've done the swim better if I didn't panic.


Overall, a great first triathlon. Had some bumps in the road but they are life lessons that I will learn from and hopefully overcome for the next race.