Tried to stay back and stay calm as we ran in from the beach, but within about 30 seconds I couldn't catch my breath and was hyperventilating and swallowing water. I proceeded this way, on my back or side, until THANKFULLY I found a place I could stand! I composed myself and literally caught my breath. This was near the turn around. Then I went ahead and although I had to breath nearly every other stroke, I actually crawled my way to the finish. I bet I did the second half in half the time of the first. This is exactly what happened at my other tri, so it's definitely a psychological issue.

Figure out how to relax right away. I might try to stay on the inside next time, because I get freaked out when splashed in the face.

I didn't rush too much because I wanted to get my breathing under control after a run up the beach to T area.

Not much, pretty happy with this.

I had to get off and walk, I'm ashamed to say. I wasn't going to do it and had thought a lot about it before the race, knowing it would be steep. But I was turning about 5.5 mph on my lowest gear and my legs were hurting and it was hard to breathe. I didn't want to wreck myself for the run, so I got off. After cresting the biggest part of the hill then I was fine. This is a tough course and despite my lower average speed, I kicked some major butt over the other ladies which helped out my time quite a bit in the end.

More hill practice wouldn't have hurt. I should have taken a test run of the course.

Pretty good. I was tired and frankly this is a bit of a blur. I should have had a Gu, since I didn't take it on the bike as planned. I still had a lot of race ahead of me.

I suck at running in a stupid triathlon! I get it now. I need to work on that, and I am pretty sure it's nutrition related. I can run better than this, but I totally fold when it comes to the end of the race. I just want it to be over. I allowed myself to walk a few times, but I should have pushed a better pace overall. This was one long run and my stomach was sloshing again. What is that about? I didn't drink hardly anything on the bike and maybe a half bottle throughout the run (and a tiny cup of electrolyte drink). I was sweating big time, so why the slosh? I had a little bit better attitude than last time, although I was VERY glad to be done.

Get some nutrition at the end of bike.

Walked around a little bit and stretched. Talked to my husband and mom, who stuck it out the whole morning. Packed up and headed out for breakfast.


Not enough training I'm sure. Still working out logistics of nutrition.


I thought it was all well done. It was a good challenge for me, definitely not too easy. Everything went smoothly and it was a beautiful day to be out. Note for next year: There are few rules. Any kind of flotation device was okay, earphones with music not banned, etc.