Sun coming up made it very difficult to see. was right in my line of sight, reflecting off the water.

Practice more in open water.

Remember to put bandaids on nips before the start.

LONGGGGGGG run from beach to transition area maybe 1/4 mile or so. Took chip off to get wetsuit off. Struggled (a lot) with getting my shirt pulled down over my back, maybe gels twisted in back pockets. Had to run barefoot with bike to paved mount area to avoid getting grass, mud sand in cleats.

PUT MY TIMING CHIP ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Noticed about 10 miles in bike that I didn't have it - uh-oh.

Take off watch put on Garmin before getting on bike.

Practice, practice, practice.

Messed too much with watch/Garmin forerunner in 1st mile. Ended up dropping my watch (didn't go back)

Bad feeling to realize you're probably gonna get disqualified for not having your timing chip.

Struggled with hills, was pushing hard. Bikers whizzing by me. I'm questioning how I'm working my ass off, and these people are still flying by. It looks like we're pedalling about same cadence. of course a lot of them had disc wheels, 3 spokes, ie much more expensive bikes than me - Its gotta be the bike, right??? (lol). Happy with my speed - bettered my goal, but think the work on the hills cost me on the run.

Find a way to do hill training.
Train for more speed - goal of 20 mph.
Take off watch, put on Garmin before I leave

Had to ask race director about consequences of forgetting my chip in T-1. His reply "Awwwww, well go ahead and put it on and do the run, you'll be disqualified anyway". Well, thanks a lot.

Quick stop at port-a-john.

Not have to take time to talk to race director!!!

Other than that it was pretty good - forgot bandaids for nips (again)!

Walked thru aid stations (longer walks after mile 6, longer and longer).
I think I used too much legs on bike. Was under 10 min pace till mile 7. After that the longer walks thru aid stations really slowed my times.

I will blame some of my slowness on the thought that I was gonna be DQ'd anyway, although thats not a good excuse.

Work for more strength to finish off a run. (Upper body -lats and delts - get very sore and tired.

Need to work on MENTAL aspect-to not quit on the run.

Talked to head referee - as long as I had chip at start and finish, he didn't care - NO disqualification, I'm an official finisher - YIPPEEE!

Some stretching, a lot of moaning and groaning.


Just ME.

I finished my first 1/2 IM ever, and first tri in 17 years. Close to my overall goal time, although the run fell short of my expectations. To get better, need more speed on the bike + hill work, and more mental fortitude to keep running.


Great organization and volunteers. I would highly recommend this race to anyone looking for a 1/2 IM in Michigan next summer. Beautiful beach area for family too, while you're racing.