I waded into the water too the side of everyone else and once it was deep enough, I began my stroke. After a couple of breathying cycles I looked up and I was half way to the bouy! I was moving. But once I did that, I broke rythym. I never got back into the pace. I tried to swim on my side but now my heart rate was up there and I needed to get more Oxygen. coming around the bouy I had a hard time getting into the swi stroke, keeping navigation and then paniced when the next group swam past me.

Beleieve it or not, its still probably my best time swimming. I must have been flying the first 200 m.

Swim easier and slower. Practice breathing technique and looking forward to make sure I'm on path.

I tried practicing getting my feet into the shoes while attached to the bike. I couldn't do it very well so I stuck to wearing them through the transition area. It took a while to get the wet suit off. I was more worried about keeping my heart rate down, so I took my time getting through.

practice bricks more often. Practice getting out of the wetsuit. Practice getting into my shoes as they are attached to the bike.

The hill. 3 miles into the race, I successfully got up that damn hill. It about killed me. I burned up my legs at mile 3. Not to mention there were a number of hills to get ovr before and after Gladbrook. Big Mistake. Once I got to mile 6, I started to get my strength back. I shifted into comfortable gears and just kept pedaling. In Gladbrook, I sucked down a Gel. Berry is not the best flavor. However, it most likely helped me to finish the race. Out of Gladbrook, one more monster hill. I actually passed someone on the way up it. My strength was good and I kept my cadence and pace at around 18 mph. Getting into the park was easy after mile 12.

I need a lower gear set for the killer hills. I need to save my legs and pace myself. My legs were shot for the run.

At least I didn't fall down. Pulled my feet out of the cleats. Slowly got off the bike and jogged to the transition spot. Took my time getting my shoes on while I waited for my heart rate to get back to normal.

practice getting out of my shoes

Egads. I had no energy after the bike. I walked a great deal of the run. I had to. My heart rate was consistently 173 +. I walked the big, big hill, ran down the side and then ran and walked as I could. I found someone to pace myself with and she kept me going. The last 200 yards were down hill. Thank God!

Work on my endurance. Drink less water. It made my sick to my stomach.
Bring an ice cold towel to wrap around my neck to keep my cool.

I found some shade and drank some water until my heart rate came down to 125.


Oh, being fat and out of shape.


I LOVED IT!!! I am soo excited about doing another and getting better at my physical and mental conditioning. This is possibly one of the best things I have ever donw for myself.