Had to jump in feet first. I hit bottom , popped up and started swimming! This was my first ever lake swim for a race type. I just did what i did in the pool, 4 strokes, ride side breath, every other 4 or 2 strokes, sight. I probably should have submitted a faster time. I actually passed about 7-9 people and didn't push hard at all. I did find at times I had to get a little more air due to the cold. I was worred about this part being my worst leg but actually it was better than expected. I had planned 18 minutes and did it in 16:48. I ran up the hill and walked half way, finished with a run into T1.

Well, more swim practice. I am no where near where I want to be. I will work harded on sprints as well as distance. Technigue also. RUN TO T1!

BAD BAD BAD. I ripped off my chip with my wetsuit and could not find it. Suit came off easy. I just should not have walked up that darn hill. RUN! I cost myself about 2 minutes! Once i got to T1, I was quick with the rest except spending a few extra seconds looking for the chip. Oh well, good bye $50.00.

Practice T1, work on helment on, suit off. HTFU!

Started out coasting behind the person in front of me, should have pushed past right from the start. Passed them on the first turn. Passed about 12-14 people and got passed by only 2 people. I held back mid way then pushed harder on Avent Ferry. Lost some time going into T2 since I again coasted behind the person in front of me, worried about drafing penalty! I talked to some folks throughout the ride. Met another MARINE AND WE TALKED IT UP. Semper Fi MARINES!

I need to pick up the cadence, goal will be 80-85 next race. Do HILL work! No Fear, push past folks. Biking is my strong leg and should I not be afraid! Overall folks were very nice on the ride and cars were considerate. Keep cadence all the way to dismount!

I was 17th out of 19 in my category. WTF! I took a few more seconds and looked for that darn chip! AGAIN, HTFU.

Work on feet out of shoes before dismount, run harder. Rack and run! I was just to focused on finding that darn chip.

I was in a daze starting out and still thought about that darn chip! I had to stop and walk 2 x for 30 seconds due to having slight back cramps. Need to do more hill work. I passed no one and got passed by 3 people.

This is a weakness due to still have 30 lbs to much weight and plantar fasciitis in both feet. I need to run much more to feel comfortable. I had only started back running on Jan. 5th this year. I could have pushed harded the last half and I held back for some reason? Hill work, speed sets, distance, technique....all of it!

Just did a few stretches but basically sat and watched other finishers with my family.


This was my first Triathlon so I really didn't know what to expect other than what I had read from race reports on this site. They were helpful. I simply need more training in every category and only having put in < 4 months of getting back into shape I figure this was a decent performance.


Finish Strong did a great job and so did the ZTA sisters. FS has a good web site as well. The road conditions were a bit rough on Avent Ferry. Overall, a great job by everyone and I was pleased with how helpful everyone was!