Barb's Race - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I expected to be frightened at the start of the swim so I positioned myself at the back and toward the inside. Unfortunately, I was surrounded by other frightened women, many more so than me. I had a difficult time getting started. I tried breast stroke for a short while and ultimately swam back stroke until I was near the bridges. At that point, I stood up and walked a few steps to regain composure and then began swimming. After that I was generally fine.

Position myself a little better at the start and continue to work on my open water swimming fears.

Having never experienced a triathlon transition before, I was a little disoriented. I felt that I needed to completely dry myself before starting to ride. I also took extra time taking my bag to my husband and walking my bike through the transition and up the hill at the start.

Hasten my pace and not worry about the wet clothing.

Although my time was slow relative to other participants, I am new to riding and this was actually a very good time for me. My race plan was to maintain 15 mph and I did.

I would train and plan to ride at a slightly higher speed. I would also practice drinking from a water bottle so that I wouldn't need the camel bak. The extra weight caused shoulder/upper back fatigue and tightness.

Again, I think not having participated in a triathlon before caused my transitions to be much slower than average. However, my main objective was to finish the event so I tried to approach all segments in a calm and steady manner.

Practice transitions

I felt really good at the start of the run and throughout the first loop, maintaining 9 min. miles. I used the Galloway run/walk plan running 9 min. and walking 1 min. At the start of the second loop I started feeling considerably fatigued and warm. I switched to 8:2 (run:walk) for a couple miles and then found I had to walk much of miles 11 and 12. I recovered and ran the last mile and finish.

Not sure. Maybe start with a 8:2 run/walk plan.

Drank lots of water and ate watermelon.


Probably inexperience. I generally performed according to my race plan with the exception of the additional walking at the end of the run.


My decision to participate in Barb's Race was more of a "bucket list" thing. I wanted to see if I could do one. Now I'm trying to decide whether or not to do more ;-)