Waited at the start and entered at back of pack along with several others with the same strategy. Tried to establish relaxed style but collisions made this difficult. Rounded 1st buoy and was grabbed by the leg by someone in a panic. Calmed them by yelling for him to just "stand up", as the water was shallow at that point. Had to breast stroke and back stroke to recover from this. Was swam over by a few of the faster women but slowly continued to the finish. Had a huge grin on my face when I exited the water because the "hump" had been crossed. I new, barring injury or mechanical malfunction, that I would finish. What a tremendous feeling!!

Jump in the "piranha swarm" and thrash along with everybody else.

Found transition area trashed. Had to scramble around to find stuff. Bike was knocked over and aero bottle had spilled. Luckily I had enough extra water that I could refill it and wash off my feet. Would say this sort of made me angry but I was happy just to have completed the swim.

Leave a pit bull guarding my stuff.

The dirt road portion of the course was difficult especially on the return. I was sure it would shake my bike apart if not my bladder.

Nothing but go faster. Considering the dirt road, this was one of my better rides.

Found misracked bikes and nowhere to rack mine. Had to remove a bike to rack mine. Gear strewn everywhere. Hat missing. Carried one of my drying towels along to wipe the sweat off since I couldn't find hat.

Leave two pit bulls to guard transition area.

Bike/run bricks helped as legs felt good going into run. I am just slow and I accept that. I hope that as the effects of smoking for many years wears down that my breathing and speed will improve. But for now I'm happy just being able to run without stopping.

Run faster!!

Walked around and had a bottle of cold water. Stretched.


Age, anxiety.


This race was my first successful sprint triathlon. Like the first girl you ever kissed, I'll never forget this race.