This was best swim I've every had. I was able to swim continously and only slow down with side stroke maybe 5 times. I was calm and not panicky at all. I was able to draft off a few people. The yellow caps in the wave behind us caught me before the first bouy. I started wide to the left and after first bouy went straight down to the next...first time in traffic in the swim since I normally start in the last wave. It was fine...being bumped..but I did like drafting. My coach had me practice it in my ows...and I think it helped. I had never swim with this high of a HR but it was okay. My first Tri it was higher, but it was from panic not effort.

For me this was an excellant swim. I need to keep practicing ows and work on continous freestyle. But all in all I think it went great. I normally swim 2:45-3:00/100 in practice, so I felt like wow I was smoking.

It was far from the end of the swim to the transtion area. I ran it to warm up and it took maybe 5 minutes. Firm doesn't time transtions...but I am using my HRM for my splits. I had my Birkenstocks at the edge of the area so I could run over the pavement with them on.

Take off my wetsuit completely before running to T1....run better.

I was pleased that I passed a lot of people (for me it was a lot). I felt good and was able to go fast on the flats and rolling hills.

Ride the course before the race to learn what part of the hills are worst. Practice more hills...even though I ride hills all the time when riding.

Good Transition...but since we went in and out the same place, those closer had an advantage.

Not much

I brought my water amphipod with which allows me to drink better. I had to walk a bunch so I was surprised by my run time. It was the fastest I have ever gone in a Tri by quite a bit. Normally I'm 12:30

It was f@@king Hot!!!I hate the heat and humidity and it was both. I need to build up my endurance and train more in the hot weather.

Stopped running and said hi to Kevin and Emily, Glen and people form my Bay State Team.


Heat, fitness level, needing to lose weight.


The Hoyts were racing today. When I saw them it brought tears to my eyes...I have read about them and watched clips on TV. It was very inspirational.

After the race, all the activities were in the sun and it was bloody hot since there was no shade. This is the same course as the Danskin Race held every July/August.Realized after race they had me in the wrong category. They said they would correct it so I'm not sure what I placed in my division. By racing in Athena, I have a better shot at coming in the top three for those competing who are on teams. It felt good to do a personal best in all three parts...fastest swim every, fastest bike in a Tri, fastest run in a Tri. Plus I had fun and enjoyed myself...my number one goal!!

My dream goal times were 27 swim, 43 bike and 33 run. I beat my swim by 8.5 minutes, hit bike time and was slightly under my run. Transtions were longer due to where they set them up...and the long run from beach to T1.