Strong start, no panic, no shock to the water temperature. Was feeling really excited that I was in the process of my first triathlon. Started to get very stressed when I couldn't get to the first buoy, and a girl kept swimming into me, or maybe I was swimming into her. Swam a lot in the wrong direction, current put me quite off course. I hung off a few water crafts for breaks and give myself time to recompose. I considered bailing after I turned the last buoy, but it was too close for me to give up and I really wanted to get on my bike. I pushed through and went for it and didn't stop swimming until my hands hit the sand.

Practice sighting, swimming with currents,

Everything was laid out perfectly, had no trouble at all. I walked all the way to transition to catch my breath. I had set everything up really well for myself.

Had no trouble at all. Maybe I should learn the best way to unrack my bike.

I wore sneakers because my clips haven't arrived. I had an absolute blast, we shared a course with the Olympic and Half Iron-ers.

Nothing, great start. Great bike ride.

I ran down the wrong aisle, so that was dumb and cost me time. The bike racks were also a tight squeeze.

Go down the right aisle.

It was a great run, my stomach wasn't handling the Gatorade well, so I was pretty uncomfortable throughout the run.

Stick to nuun water, DON'T drink Gatorade -- it just doesn't work for me.

Hung out and walked around


Lack of training


I had a great time, the course and volunteers were excellent. I wish I had been able to navigate the water better.. but that was my own fault for not getting into open water more.