Literally, as soon as my feet hit the water, my left foot first and then my right, contorted in odd angles. They cramped so badly fear engulfed my train of thought that I would not even be able to start. Fortunately, it was a short swim to the start line and my disfigured feet relaxed and the cramp released each limb. I had to remain relaxed and told myself to enjoy the moment. As the announcer called the last few seconds before the start I pulled my goggles over my eyes to find, to my horror, my goggles were covered in goop! Greasy thick goop, maybe conditioner but there was no smell. I could not see anything, panic welled up in my throat and I may have even shouted, "wait! I can't see!", as I feverishly tried to wash the slime from each lens. They did not wait...I could not even see the person in front of me! Swimming without the goggles didn't help any. I had to keep stopping to lift my goggles to site. I was all over the course, zig zagging to and fro. I knew if I didn't just calm down and keep my frustration down to a minimum I would wear myself out before the swim was complete. Lifting my head and raising my goggles constantly slowed me down but at that point it was all I could do. My mind raced, this portion may make me dead last so I knew I had to pass someone, anyone, on the swim and then make it up in the bike. So I saw someone ahead of me and just kept pushing until I caught up to her and passed her. Not by much but I made sure I was out of the water before the last green cap. It was close!

Check my gear more through prior to the race start. Do not be afraid to push myself in training.

I was a bit shaky after the swim; maybe nerves and emotion from the rough start? As usual I had to sit down to put my shoes on my feet. Jogged and walked my bike to the mounting spot and left the nerves behind me. The bike was going to be my event to catch up to my goals.

Practice more. I really did not run through the transition practice enough prior to the race. Especially since I was using a new kit and race belt instead of pinning my number on and putting on my jersey.

The bike was going to be my strongest event. I pushed hard to keep up with others, Fatty to fatty Suzie, not a nice name but she was a big girl who could really ride...she lost me. And that big guy. He and I kept going back and forth passing eachother. He found some crazy strength and left me in the dust. I thought I could get him on the final small hill because I kept passing him on the hills. Nope he stayed ahead of me but was dying in transition as I jogged out he was still horking up a lung.
My goals for the bike were to take in my blocks, gu and water and was to do 18 mph; I was close, 17.5 but if its 25.5 then I am 19 mph!

Intervals...again stop letting fear keep me from pushing so hard I can't help but get better.

Took some time to take in some additional fuel because I really bonked on the bike and run last year. Fuel was the name of the game for me this year. I started my run with my helmet still on and had to run back...I tossed the helmet to my area and took off running.

Practice

Fuel baby fuel! I had a combination of blocks and gu and I took water to not only drink but pour over my head at every station along with heed. Whatever they were selling I was buying. The heat was starting to pick up at that point so I wanted to stay cool as much as I could. My two goals were to race with a pleasant face and do a sub 12 min mile. The pleasant face was accomplished by the pace was just missed.

Push a little harder. I was glad to know that though I pushed on the bike that did not take everything I had out of me. Please with my run I can see that I am much more capable. I take it too easy and tend to think I am working harder than I am during training.

Walk a little stretching...not nearly enough. But I was dead after the race. I really gave a lot more than I usually do because I could not even muster enough energy to eat my pancake breakfast...I did however, manage to make it to the beer garden to claim my two after race beers! Red Hook IPA..those beers did more for my recovery than any mix.


My limitations? One, not checking every piece of my gear prior to the race, two, transition training, and three, not enough intensity in my training. Considering how I felt after the race much was not left to give. That was the most I had pushed in a long time. My main goal, NOT TO FINISH LAST, was accomplished. Other goals were close but no cigar. I am pleased and learned a lot about what I want... Can I improve by 45 minutes next year? With enough work, possibly!


The improvements at this race made a world of difference. I attended the Malibu Triathlon the following week and the expo was amazing! The Malibu Tri had Food trucks, hair cuts from Paul Mitchell, massages, and lots of raffles.You can't throw a stick in San Diego without hitting a triathlete so I would expect a bigger expo. But then again there was a big tri prior so maybe the vendors attend that one instead of the Rock n Roll series.