One of the last 8 people to begin the time-trial style swim, I wanted to make sure my swim was not rushed; I trained less on the swim than any other event, so previous races I was less than prepared. This race I made sure I started with people who were slower, so that I could focus on my own stroke and test my ability. Swim was straight, with no problem navagating the course.

Start earlier in the pack, along with people of similar talent.

Need to practice the transition more often; felt lost and had the impression that I was forgetting something. Because the day was quite warm, I packed my sports drinks in an ice chest, but forgot to transfer them to my bike during the transition.

Practice the transition, bring fluids!

Hills still are my achilles heel. Caught many people on the flats and downhills, but continue to see people pull away on the inclines.

Drink more. Now that my average ride is up to 50 - 60 miles, working toward century rides and incorporating MANY more hills.

Transition went so well that I took an extra 30 seconds just making sure I had everything.

Practice the transition

Major cramping began 500 yds into the run. Every major muscle cramped simultaniously, and it took 10 minutes of stationary balancing just to keep from having multiple charlie-horses in my legs. Lack of fluids during bike, significant work stress during the work week, and inadequate bric workouts were a recipe for disaster.

Drink more, more brics

My entire run phase was a warm down; I could not jog more than 1/2 mile at a time without cramping again.


One more or so on the bike path would have been wonderful. Obviously I was more sensitive to this issue, as I had no fluids with me during the race, but previous races of this distance and heat had two water stops, which I've come to accept as the standard.