Started off bad, and got worse. Couldn't get rhythm going. As soon as I found some feet to follow, people cut across me, elbowed me. My legs are sinking. I thought wetsuit is supposed to make me buoyant, it's not doing its job. My arms are flapping and I'm going nowhere. I remember what Dory said - just keep swimming, swimming, swimming - that got me through the swim, barely. What a horrible swim, I was second last in my age group, although I did catch a couple of girls in the previous wave. I still need to pee... badly.

Hydrate early so fluids have time to pass through system or hydrate right before race, never in between!! Can't believe I made such a rookie mistake.
Forget about finding feet to follow, find my own path out of people's way. RELAX.

Tried to put on my sunglasses before taking off swim cap and goggles. This mensan brain is not working at all today. Clipping in was slow.

Hmmm, take off swim cap and goggles before putting on sunglasses?

Bike leg was OK. Was able to stay in my newly fitted aero position most of the time. Passed some people, not difficult when you're the last swimmers in the last wave. Should I drink? I still need to pee... badly.

Nothing, other than hydrate early so fluids have time to pass through system or hydrate right before race, never in between!! Still can't believe I made such a rookie mistake!

Uneventful, which is good.

Nothing

OK run. Passed more people. I can't wait to finish so I can go pee.

Nothing, other than hydrate early so fluids have time to pass through system or hydrate right before race, never in between!!

Ran out of finish chute and to the portalet. That felt Good!


Screwed up hydration before race so distracted and need to pee during entire race. What a silly rookie mistake!
Did not relax and get into a rhythm during swim. Did not get into less congested open water.


Happy with bike and run. Awful swim, but I got through it. Somewhere on BT, it says - DFL >>> DNF >>> DNS, which means "Dead Frxxxing Last" is WAY better than "Did Not Finish" is WAY better than "Did Not Start". I'm not even DFL on the swim.

Before race, some good looking muscular guy with a spiffy bike yelled "Patricia". I turned around and had no idea who the guy was. He said, it's "Mike Cheliak". Mike has been the official photographer for the HSBC Tri Series for many years. He's the best race photographer, takes a lot of pride in his work and his pics are always head and shoulders above any race photographer out there (see my Misc tri album / Angus Glen RR). He was very overweight / obese. But today, he's 55 lbs less than last year, and somehow he looks taller too, which is why I can't recognize him. He's trained all winter and has obviously worked hard as he looks absolutely marvelous. He's making his Du debut. He ended up crossing the finish line just behind me and I gave him a high 5. Even though I lost a great race photographer today, I'm soooo happy for him that he's finally decided to Du it after so many years of photographing on the sidelines. His right calf indicates he's 45, but today he looks at most, a young 35. What a difference a season makes! Just seeing him on course today made today's race all worthwhile, so inspiring. I love this sport. So many happy endings, even when I didn't race well.

Also saw Christine M, who I met at the Worlds in Switzerland last year. She's considering the Sprint for the Worlds in 07 / 08, instead of the Oly. Now I'm reconsidering too...

2:28 faster and I'd be on the AG podium. You can't win a tri with a good swim, but you can sure lose it with a bad one. Today is a perfect example.