I don't believe the distance because the 500 yd. swim I did last month took me 15 mins. Even though there was talk that that was one actually longer than stated, my normal swim time in the pool is over 2:30/100 yds, so it doesn't seem right. I wasn't sure exactly what to aim for after rounding the big buoy--there was only one. I tried to keep my eyes on the majority and actual did good. Although later my bf told me I need to learn how to swim straight. Apparently from his POV on the shore I was weaving a lot on the way to the buoy, but did fine once I'd rounded the buoy. Whatever! He doesn't swim or bike or run. All I know is I swam to the buoy without having to make any major corrections to get back on track.

I pulled my head up to site a lot and probably would have had a better time if I'd just kept my head in the water for longer periods.

My first time with a wetsuit and it went very well. I did have grab the rack to stabilize me, which isn't the best idea since the rack isn't all THAT stable but it worked. On this race the individual legs weren't timed. I timed my own but not the transitions. Still I felt good about it especially since was positioned on the end closest to the exit. The only awkwardness was dealing with sunglasses fogging on a wet face.

Not sure...felt pretty good.

First turn out of transition there was a bike down, cyclist just laying there with a volunteer, but moving. Later found out he'd collided with another bike. There was nothing treacherous about that turn, it was flat and so early out of transition it is hard to believe they'd built up that much speed. I was dealing with foggy sunglasses for a bit, then my sluggish legs from out of the swim. I had a trouble getting speed for a while and never managed much over 20 mph except on the downhills. There was zero traffic control on the course, except at the very start/end. It was a little nerve wracking because I could see other bikes assuming they had the right of way since they were in a race and yelling at cars who were simply obeying the rules of the road. There was a left turn at a stop sign where I had to come to a complete stop and wait for 3 or 4 cars. There was a ten year old (approx) boy racing next to me...I was more worried for the kids in the race driving in the traffic. This left turn took us to the community college campus where it was obvious students had no idea there was a race going on. There was quite a bit of confusion at a 4-way stop, but someone managed to get the cars to wait for us. A couple of good hills with which I was quite familiar, but on the first one I still stopped halfway up for about 30s. That was enough for my legs to recover and get me through the rest.

Hopefully this time next year my fitness will allow me to ride harder, faster.

I definitely improved my speed here. T2 was faster that T1. I didn't have any trouble with socks on, shoes on. One of the women in our training group got back to transition same time as me and was on the same rack. She took the time to introduce to her husband to our little cheering section standing opposite the transition area. She pointed me out and told him who I was and to trip me (joking) when I started running. She was not in too much of a hurry at this point. I was and in such a hurry I forgot my awesome new race belt and number. Yep, I did the entire race without ever using my number.

Remember to grab my race belt to put on during the run!

I've done this 5K before and knew the route. The bummer was that there weren't volunteers at the turns as usual, only faded chalk on the road to follow. Not too bad for me, but some missed the first turn and had to go back. There were supposed to be three aid stations, which is probably overkill, but there were only two. The first one was at about 1-1/3 miles and as I drank the water I commented that it tasted like hose water. Sure enough a few driveways down there is a man on a chair in his driveway with his hose at the ready. I really think my pace on this run was affected but the lack of volunteers cheering us on. Really, it didn't feel like I was in a race at this point. We were passing residents walking their dogs and people just out for a stroll. It was very unmotivating. I stopped to walk a few times--I had not trouble with leg cramping off the bike but I do notice my lower back is sore. Makes sense, and also noticed it in my tri last month. At the finish I had to give them my name and age since I didn't have my race number.

Remember to grab my race belt and push past the back soreness.

Chatted with all the people I knew; ate bananas and oranges and water.


My lack of fitness and athleticism.


In spite of my complaints, I will continue to do this race because of its location and cost. It was fun to know a lot of people in the race. Plus, this is the only venue where I actually have a shot at winning something. I won 3rd in my division and got a certificate. LOL. Of course, winning 3rd place out of 4 doesn't mean much...and 4th place was my friend in T2 who was taking time to introduce her husband to everyone.