I didn't get myself in a great position and it lead to me taking a foot to the face at the start which totally shook me. The race started so quickly I just hadn't wrapped my mind around what I was about to do. Suffered and panicked for the first bit of the race, but once I stopped, adjusted my goggles and took a breath I got myself together and swam well. I remember thinking "Katie, you know how to swim. Calm down!"

A wiser start position. Also, deep breaths. I let the adrenaline throw me off my swim plan at first. Deep breaths.

Good transition. I hadn't really practice T1, but had gone over it in my head so many times my body knew just what to do. Again, I was a little shaky from all the adrenaline, so I sat down to get my shoes on. This was when I really started to feel like I was doing a freaking triathlon! My friend on the side-lines made a joke and made me smile, this was when I started having fun.

Learn to do T1 with bike shoes already on bike.

Having only bought my road bike a month before the race, I was prepared for this to be my weakest discipline. I spent the entire ride thinking I just wanted to get through it and get my running shoes on! Also, where I train is very hilly, and this was the longest flat ride I've ever done, didn't really know what to do with myself and my pacing.

Held back too much on the first half, I was worried about blowing my legs out. Once I realized the timing at the split I knew I had to step up my pace.

Easy and fast.

I ran the wrong direction from my transition spot. I guess I just got turned around, but I quickly realized it and found the Run Out.

I was so happy to get my running shoes on and hit the pavement, even with my quads on fire! I knew from brick training that it would take me about 2 miles to get my legs at decent running ability (stride/pace), and that was pretty accurate. I ran fast and passed most of the women that had passed me on the bike, which felt good. Finished hard and strong. Hearing the crowd and seeing the finish line gave me so much energy I felt like I could keep running!

Start my final kick earlier

Didn't do much for some reason. A little jogging and walking around, but mostly I was just excited and over-whelmed! Could have definitely benefited from some warm-down and stretching.


Inexperience. I am really looking forward to taking what I learned to my training and my next race!


I think the inclement weather scared away some of the volunteers. Talking with others who had done this particular race before, they said that other years there were more volunteers and spectators, but it was kind of nasty out. More volunteers would have helped on the course and with the post-race stuff. All in all, it was a great race to do for my first race, very laid back not too huge.