Jump from Trek/Danskin to co-ed triathlon

I'll be honest - women only events are much easier, as far as final standings go.  My first event was an Iron Girl duathlon and I thought I was pretty rockstar.   My next du was a normal co-ed event and I was put in my place, literally.  The women's only events attract a lot of newbies, so it's not so much that women are slower but more women who race at the events tend to be new to the sport.  Sorry if this is discouraging, but it's a necessary reality check so you don't beat yourself up too much later.  I didn't look at your results, but as an example a 28 min 5k at a women's sprint tri would probably put you up above the 50% line, but closer to 75% (bottom of pack) in a co-ed race.

However, other than that, racing co-ed is lots of fun!  Any event where people are taking it very seriously is 1) entertaining to see the attitudes, equipment, and 2) people are better are staying out of your way, making a more pleasant racing experience overall.  The presence of men has, in no way, diminished the fun of these events.  Not to mention the better eye candy...

Heh...you're already a real triathlete (congratulations too).  I made the mistake of assuming that there wouldn't be any real triathletes at a local sprint.  I show up on race morning and WOW, there were real triathletes there and they had their top-shelf gear.  But then I found out they were friendly and here I am, 4 years later. 

My first race was a women's only super sprint.  The support, encouragement and comradre were overwhelming, I LOVED every minute of it and was actually sad that it was over.  It totally got me hooked.

My second tri was a standard co-ed sprint and it's very possible that if this was my first it may have also been my last.  I was very underwhelmed by the support of both volunteers and racers.  I encourage just about every athlete I meet on the course (as they pass me) and got very little in return on the co-ed race.  It was disappointing and I couldn't wait for it to be over.

My next race is also a standard sprint for the most part and co-ed, however, I will have many friends at this race so I am really looking forward to it.