Standing at the start, I told myself to pace myself. Don't get excited and fly off on the first lap. I was also a little concerned about starting in the cold water after standing around for 20 minutes waiting to start. So, I got in the water and it wasn't too bad. Thinking to my self "Spatula", "Spatula" (see discussion board) and to keep an even pace. So of course, I immediately went into egg beater mode. If I could have kept the pace I used for the first 25 meters, I would have been first out of the pool. Obviously that didn't happened as I struggled through the middle 100 meters while I caught my breath. I did OK the last 50 after going slow in the middle. I did manage to freestyle the whole thing but was slow on the turns.

Pace myself better. It didn't hurt in such a short race but will cause big problems at longer distances and in open water

At the time I thought it went really well. This was only my second triathlon and I really stunk the first time. It was a 100 yard run from the pool to the transition area and I think I took to long. I did well getting dressed and during the run to the bike start. Looking at the times afterward I realized I was in the middle of my age group

No change in what I wore and putting it on. Move quicker between the areas in the transition.

Did really well on the bike ride. This is my strongest event and I rode the right pace for this race.

Not much. Maybe push it more on the hill. I drove the course but didn't ride the course. The first time on the one hill, I didn't push it like the second loop

Again it went much better than in the first race but I couldn't have moved faster in and out of the transition area. Changing gear went quickly. Was about average for age group and about 20 seconds behind leaders

Run faster in transition area

Did pretty well. Was looking to break 25 minutes and accomplished that. Still having problems with the first 1/2 mile of the run. It didn't help that the first mile was up a slight incline. Felt really good the last mile.

Not much. Maybe push it a little harder in the first 1/2 mile

Walked around and drank two bottles of waters. Avoided the fried chicken.


I thought the race went really well. We the execption of the first 25 meters of the swim, I didn't make any mental mistakes. I planned well and executed what I wanted to do. Any improvements will come with additional training. I think I'm on track for an Olympic distance event in September.


Obviously this event was setup by experienced triathletes. While only my second triathlon, I've done numerous bike and run events and this was the most organized event I've been to. It was the right size for the facilities and all the organizers and volunteers knew what to do. Usually there is a lack of information but this one almost had too much. They even had volunteers out telling you sharp turns ahead. Definitely will do this event again