This was the worst swim I've ever experienced. I felt like I was gasping from the start, and before I hit the second buoy I actually started to panic. I flagged down a kayak, and was supposed by a few lovely participants while we waited. I panted and gasped for a little while, then soldiered on. The wind was kicking up, and I never felt like I could breathe properly.

Not run into the start, but maybe wade and take my time. Stop and tread water to collect myself before the full on panic attack set in.

They had wetsuit stripped, which was cool. I walked up the hill to transition, drank a bit of water, got my bike shoes on, and then tip toed across the gravel parking lot to the mount line.

Run, or at least jog.

There was a large hill right after the mount line, and I didn't get my left foot clipped in until I was at the top. Whoops. This course also had something crazy like 15 turns, so it was hard to get up to speed. There was lots of small hills, which was fun.

Pushed harder. I was working on the hills, but was far too complacent on the flats.

Not much to do different. Hustle more, as always, I guess.

My lead legs weren't going anywhere, and the gravel parking lots was pretty uncomfortable. Then there was the giant hill, which I walked to keep my HR from going out of control. Once I got to the top, I sprinkled in another few tiny walk breaks, then ran it the rest of the way in. Once I could hear the finish line music I started to pick up the pace again, and then after the final turn I gave it a kick and finished strong.

I think I finished too strong...I certainly could have pushed harder on the run. If I do this event again, I think I'll wear cushier shoes, as the gravel parking lot was not a good time in my Vivobarefoots.

Spotty workouts this year as I battled a lack of motivation. Lack of confidence on the bike, and not pushing hard enough on the run.