OK after this experience, I'm going to take an open water class. I'm lucky that I'm not scared of the open water in principal, but I had a hell of a time getting through it. Since I was in the last wave, I got to see what everyone else went through. Some of the groups were getting really high waves (ours seemed - from my perspective, at least - to have a barrage of big ones). Also, the current was taking people north and the course was around the south side of the first bouy.

When we went, I first ran south down the beach a bit and then went out to attack the waves. I started out pretty well, but I didn't make it through a really big one, which picked me up and tossed me around a bit before depositing me almost all the way back on shore. It seemed like I was in that wave forever, and lost my breath a bit. OK, so I just had to get out past them. The water past the waves seemed calm. So, I fought me my through waves. Diving through one after another, and never really getting a chance to catch my breath.

Finally, I was halfway to the first bouy, and I was panting and gasping for air, but getting several mouthfuls of water. I was happy there were so many rescue people around. The thought of not actually being able to make it crossed my mind. I couldn't freestyle-- I couldn't even breaststroke -- I just couldn't leave my head in the water that long, adn I needed to breathe. From shore, I had seen waves breaking almost as far as the bouys, so I knew I had to make it out to it as quickly as I could. Backstroke for a few seconds, sidestroke, sort of freestyle with keeping my head above the water.

At last, I made it to calmer water, and was able to catch my breath and could start to freestyle, rounded the second bouy and started swimming back to shore. I passed a few people on the way.

I got picked up by one last wave on the way in, and that caused me to lose my breath for the run back to the transition. I MADE IT. That may have been one of the hardest things I've ever done.

Learn how to get through waves. I need more open water experience.

There was a long run up the beach, and I was about halfway before I remembered to start undoing my wetsuit and take off goggles and swimcap. (I was still out of it from the swim). But, because it was a long run, so that didn't hurt the time at all.

I was planning on putting on socks, but decided not to take the time to do it in the transition to save time.

I was on my mountain bike. I felt good. I've never been on a flat course with no lights.

Get a faster bike.

Went well.

Drink some water.

Almost forgot my race number. I've got to put it in a more conspicuous place.

Funny, I felt like I was going slow compared to my 5k races. However, it turned out to be a PR. Cool!


Wear socks. My feet actually bled in places. Ick! (Okay, they say never try anything new on race day, and I've never run without socks before.)

Drink more before. I felt thirsty. I grabbed gatorade at the first aid table by accident, which always bugs my stomach almost immediately.