Headed out into the sun so it was difficult to see the buoys. Visibility in the water was about 1 foot, if that. (I felt people's feet before I ever saw them.) This was my first open water swim, so I have no basis of comparison. It took me nearly the whole first leg of the triangle to get a rhythm. I did well on the far leg, but faltered some on the return--I was too far to the left of the buoys and kept having to stop and correct. It was the longest swim distance I have ever done in competition, in addition to being first in open water! It seemed to take forever.

Practice open water swimming.

After running uphill through sand and then through the baby pool they had for cleaning our feet, I walked the rest of the way to my bike as my HR was 181 coming out of the water. I hoped to get it down somewhat before the ride, but it did not come down much. I took my time, determined not to fumble things as I have on previous occasions. Mission accomplished.

Nothing.

With my HR high already, I determined to play it conservatively and just concentrate on keeping a high cadence, even if it meant going to the granny. It may have paid off because coming back I was able to go harder and faster, though coming back up that dam hill was a lot harder than it had been going out. I was determined to save my legs for the run, which has always been my weakness. As for the bike leg, I was determined just to pedal and not get uptight about anything.

Nothing.

I was going to try bungee laces before this race but waited too late. (Never want to switch equipment so close to an event.)

Bungee laces.

My one goal for this race was to run the entire 5K, no matter how slowly. This was my fourth race and I had yet to run the entire 5K without having to stop due to cramps or fatigue. After my abysmal effort in June, I have practiced non-stop running long, slow distance miles. It paid off because I didn't stop except to drink water. (I can't run and drink out of a plastic cup.)

I was being conservative on speed because I had other goals. Now that I have met that goal, I'll try on getting a bit faster.

Drank copiously, ate a banana, then ate post-feed potato and spaghetti.


Lack of native ability. (!) What God left out, training can add, but only so much.


This is by far my favorite race of the four I've done so far. Just large enough to be well-staffed, but small enough not to be falling all over each other. The volunteers were the best part. I never lacked for water at this race, which cannot be said for previous races. Pre- and post-race activities made hanging around for the awards...well, rewarding!