I figure not too bad for my first OWS. I could have gone faster, but wasn't sure how I would hold up. I started off to the side and just tried to get into a groove. Not too much washing-machine effect. My watch kept coming off so I had to stop 3 times to fix that. And my goggles leaked once so I had to stop and fix that. I probably swam more than 750 meters as I was consistently off to the right side of the course, and the course was all left turns. Need to stay closer to the center line next time.

1) NOT clear goggles - get something with tint, b/c looking into the sun was awful (the entire 2nd leg)

2) More OWS - get used to navigating.

3) Now that I know I can survive in the water, swim faster.

Dizzy as all get out after the swim! I had to sit down to put my shoes on. My layout and putting my gear on was ok, just have to get faster at it.

Run to transition a bit quicker. Practice more OWS and then transitions.

Good bike. I didn't push too hard on this segment and felt like I could've kept up the same pace for a lot longer distance. However, I had just put my clip-on aerobars on the bike 2 days before and hadn't really practiced with them, so I felt a twinge of tightness in my lower back during the ride(my back sucks).

More aerobar practice. Make sure my setup is good for the aero position.

I don't think the Gatorade I used sat well with my stomach, leading to minor GI issues during the run.

Not too bad with this transition. Racked the bike, dumped the helmet, kicked off the bike shoes and put on the running shoes. However, my sock got stuck in one shoe so I had to waste a few seconds dealing with that.

Go faster. Practice more (at race speed - that's the key!)

Eh, not so good. First 1/2 mile I felt like puking and the first mile overall I wasn't going too fast. After about a mile I started feeling better and ran smoother. But I had way too much left in the tank at the end.

Make sure my watch stays on so I know my split times (stupid watch - an Ironman Timex no less - the velcro strap kept coming undone during the swim, so I ditched it at T1). I run better with hard data, ie. times, rather than by feel. That being said, I need to learn to just suck it up and push it.

Walk around, meet up with friends, drink lots of water and eat some Moe's Tex-Mex (they sponsored the race).


Me. I mean, I hadn't done this distance before, so I didn't know how hard/fast to go. I realize now I could've gone faster, so my next race should be quicker. However, this was basically my first tri (my only other being a mini-sprint 6 years ago), so I'm reasonably happy with my performance.


Good race. I'm looking forward to doing it again next year.