Aflac Iron Girl Women's Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

First tri-first wave start-first dark water race. Very nervous and typically breast-stroke. Tried to start in middle outside of wave - but pushed more to the back, then when started - lots of flailing arms and legs - not able to hit groove - so slow start. then when things spread out a little - able to really swim - and started passing people left and right. finish and wished there were more distance to the swim. Exited water - happy, calm, warmed up and ready for the bike. Great availability of life rafts and assistance.

start more to the front, be more confident of freestyle stroke, train with friends swimming closer more, but overall very happy with this first swim. will work on freestyle for the future.

long hill up to T1 (but got to high five kids on the way up!); walked up, toweled feet, socks on, shoes on, sweaty band on, sunglasses on, helmet on, sip of water, got bike, walked out. thank you to the family who encouraged me on the way up - Diana's family from NC.

run through T1 (though I was tired after the hill); run out of T1. practice T1 more. Though again - happy with this first!

train for hills, good course markings and great volunteers/law enforcement out on course, a little crowded in sections, big Thank You to the angel who passed me as I walked and encouraged me by name. She was a real race saver! NOTE: deer jumped out at me one time on course! WOW that's not something that happens to me often.

train for hills more, learn better bike skills (just learned how to ride in March), learn to shift big gears to better use hills, learn to use toe cages/clipless pedals (someday!), more miles in saddle.

so happy to be done with bike, did not run through T2, only had to take helmet off and rack bike, forgot helmet had to turn around (just one or two steps).

remember helmet, drink more, take a energy, RUN

thought this was my best but turned into my worst! ended up walking a lot of it; "bonking" I think- just out of gas! but a really fun run with the other racers. caught up with a friend and able to help walk her in, able to sprint the finish, Dave at 1/2 way was great and encouraging.

RUN! and take energy on the bike for the run. have a sponge at T2 for cooling - no sponges on course.

walked around, sponge on chest, took pictures enjoyed the moment, light stretching.


first time nerves, unknown events, lack of energy on run.


LOVED the atmosphere of the race and the kindness of other racers. hard first course b/c of hills on bike and run, post-race was AMAZING-really helped racers feel special - lots of cheering and encouragement out on course. Really great first race from certain aspects and harder from others but overall - LOVED it and want to do it again - with better training and now more experience. Certainly helped develop a love of the Tri in me.