Give myself averages just because this was totally new to me. I started off ok but it was weird swimming with other people so close. I drifted off-line a bit, but looking for Jen ahead helped get be back on track. I know ocean swimming is supposed to be easier with the increased buoyancy and all, but it sure doesn't seem like that! I think the excitement was getting to me and it was hard to pace myself. At the turn took a 5-10sec breather and then down the stretch. My form was going to hell in a hand basket, but thankfull with such a short distance it didn't matter too much. One of the last people out of the water, but oh well.

Just need more practice swimming I think. My 3rd swim, period.

It was a slow T1 but primarily because I wasn't rushing. Stopped, took of my goggles, sat down in the grass, rinsed and dried my feet, put socks on, shoes on, gulp or 2 of water, helmet on, and we were off.

If I had been concerned about time I'm sure I could have done this a few minutes faster.

Felt good on the bike. Again, having Jen there with me helped immensely. We were not concerned with my time, just getting through it and having fun... and have fun I indeed did! I mean it was just a crystalline Hawaii morning... waves out on the Pacific, sunshine, out for a nice bike ride, what could be better?!

We definitely had a strong headwind a lot of the way, but nothing too too bad.

Nothing, really. Again, had I been doing this on more than 1 week's training, I would have pushed for speed. Today I was just out to finish and build confidence.

Again, all so new to me. Got off the bike and jogged over the to trees we were using as racks. Leaned it on the tree, off with the cycling shoes and on with the running, slurped another Gu (Vanilla Bean - yum) and we started the jog.

See above.

Here was my big fear and worry. We started out at a nice slow jog, and it felt fine so we just stayed with that. From time to time the right knee would seem to get a little tight, and when I mentioned that Jen just said "well let's stop and you stretch it for a few seconds!" That was such a relief to hear - just that it was ok to do that!! So we did that couple of times, she grabbing a drink and me stretching for no more than 10-15 seconds before running again. Made it through the entire 4 miles without walking at all!! Jogged the whole thing and the knee (as well as my body in general) held up much better than expected.

Nothing. For today this went just about perfectly.

Walked a bit, lots of gatorade, munched on some energy bars, stretched in the shade.


Hmmm.. probably that going faster wasn't on my agenda for today!! ;)


Well, I did it!! WHOO HOOOOOOO!!!!!! The thing I keep thinking about it just how damned fun it was being out there with so many people having a great time. An absolutely postcard Hawaiian morning, sunshine, the ocean, and 2 hours of fantastic exercise... what a way to start your Sunday! I owe a huge thank you to Jen for being my moral support. She was there to guide me through the water, talk with me on the bike, and keep me running for that last 4 miles.

More race photos in my album, or here: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/photos/photo-thumbnail...

I literally can't wait to do this again!! In fact, I found a Sprint Tri here in 3 weeks which I'm going to make my official first race! I think the Tinman in July would be alot more doable with a little race experience under my belt first...

Even though this one wasn't an official race, I still feel like a triathlete today. And with some more hard work and a little luck, 3 weeks from today I *will* be one!!