I underestimated my swim time when I registered-I have become faster since I signed up. They ranked you according to predicted time, so I was in a heat where I had to pass a lot. I lapped everyone in my lane twice, and was the second one out of the pool in my heat. I think I would have had a better time had I placed myself w/ swimmers that were faster than me. Overall I was really happy w/ my time-a PR for me!

I would have seeded myself in the 19 min group as compared to the 23 min group that I swam with.

T1 time is part of the bike time, not sure how long. It was cold, and so I had to take the time to put on a skull cap under my helmet, gloved and a coat. This really slowed me down! Compared to the elite womens' goup, I may have well laid down and taken a nap!

Pick a tri w/ warmer weather! Less to do in transition-I could use practice w/ this.

I should have pushed it harder-I had a slight tailwind on the way out, but didn't realize it until the turnaround. This is where I should have been hammering, but stayed too conservative.

Go faster!!!

Again I was flustered and could have been better-i lost time here.

practice this transition more, run out w/ race belt in hand rather than worry about having it on right in T2

WOW lead legs off the bike-took the first 3/4 mile for this to go away-was hard to run at a good pace at first, then I sped up. When I got to the uphill singletrack trail, I was like-"no f%#@in way can I run this". I hiked it w/ the guy behind me, we were passed by a young guy running up it who then pooped out and we passed him. Once the trail went downhill again I was able to jog a bit and then run all the way back to the finish. As soon as I could hear the music playing at the finish line, I kicked it into gear and crossed the line with a smile!!! Gave my hubby a big hug and then realized- I AM A TRIATHLETE NOW!! :)

More hill work-be mentally prepared for the hill run and try to get through it w/o walking. I did have a goal of not walking any of the run, but that trail up the mountain was murder! I don't feel that bad about hiking this.

fruit, bagel, hugs and cheers. I stretched out and warmed up in the pool area, and talked to other racers and friends. Smiling ear to ear.


Being a newbie, slow transitions, being to conservative in the swim and the run. My nutrition was just right and I had the energy to push harder than I did on the bike. Wind and cold also made it harder.


A great race to start with! It's a popular race and there are lots of tough racers, so I had lots to learn.

I am hooked-can't wait for my next race!