Running start, wave of 40 people. Felt ok to start, kept head out of water because it was too crazy to try and swim normally. Was feeling fast and passed a few people. Near the first buoy (100m or so), was breathing very hard. Passed buoy and really started to panic, just couldn't catch my breath, wetsuit constricting. Tried to backstroke, but any horizontal position made me feel worse so I just floated vertical for a while and tried to calm down. (I kept telling myself that i was wearing a wetsuit and wouldn't drown.) A kayak support person kept asking if was ok and I responded with thumbs-up and was able to backstroke my way to where I could reach bottom. I took a minute to stand and calm down, then the rest of the swim was good (mostly backstroke).

More open water practice with a wetsuit. I had practiced earlier that week and felt confident (after getting past the freakout moment of swimming in murky water). I simply need more OWS practice.

T1 was on the beach. Wetsuit/goggles/swim cap/earplugs off, shirt on (easily), sprayed on some sunscreen (unnecessary as it wound up being cloudy all morning), slipped a Gu in my pocket. Helmet and sunglasses on. Rinsed off feet, shoes on, walk/run with bike...IN THE SAND so my keen bike sandals filled with wet sand. After running over the timing pad I had to stop and shake about a cup of sand from each shoe.

Wouldn't put shoes on until ready to ride bike, rinse feet with water bottle.

Nice course even with the big hill. Took a Gu about 11 miles in. Drank a little over 1/2 water bottle. Should have been under 1 hour if not for sand in shoes issue.

Just after the big downhill started I was a huge jerk and passed someone on the right. I apologized to her in T2, but she was pretty peeved.

As mentioned above, wait to put shoes on until after the beach. I need to work on hills more.

Decided to wear socks since I hadn't run enough for my feet to be ready for sockless. Had to sit and use my socks to get the rest of the sand off my feet (didn't want any sand digging in). Socks and shoes on easily, helmet off, visor on, grabbed small water bottle.

Deal with sand at start of bike as stated above. Train more without socks.

I walked some, but less than I was expecting to. I actually felt pretty good. I run pretty slow so I pleased with my time. Drank about half of my water.

Train more.

Walked to the car and back a couple times, drank a little water, had a couple pieces of fruit. Drove to IHOP and had a Philly cheesesteak, it was amazing!


Lack of training.


A very good race for my first tri. Seemed well organized.