This was my first open water shotgun start. I tried to start out quick with the lead pack, but quickly got paniced and got short of breath. Let the lead group go and started to try and catch my breath doing the side (survival) stroke. I did this for about 3 minutes and then flipped over and did backstroke up until the bouy. I then felt like I settled down and started into my freestyle stroke. 2nd half of the swim went pretty well.

Start in the back/middle of the pack. I need to get more comfortable before I start with the lead group. I probably would have cut 4+ minutes off my time had I not paniced. I do the 750meters in 12:00 in the pool, and did 18:57 in this race...big difference!

T1 went great. I didn't leave the shoes clipped on the bike, but still got my socks and bike shoes on quickly. I got on and up to speed fairly quickly.

Probably practice on clipping the shoes on the bike and not wearing socks. Might cut :20 off my time.

Other than missing a turn and losing probably :30+ I felt that the bike was very good for me.

Nothing.

Legs felt okay after ride and was able to move fairly quickly in T2. Got my bike shoes off and running shoes on fast. Put on my sunglasses and took off.

Nothing.

Great run course! Felt more like a cross-country event than a triathlon though.

Probably tried to get on the tail of someone who passed me and do whatever I could to stay on their ass.

Walked around the transition area for about :15.


Training.


Great race for anyone looking to try a tri for the first time. I will be back next year!