I was probably a bit more conservative than I should have been. I was able to pick up my pace for the second half of the swim, but I wish I'd put a little more forth for speed. When I got out of the pool, the clock for my heat said something around 10:20, so I think my 11:16 time includes leaving the pool area...

I need to work on feeling comfortable going at a faster pace, and I need to work on not rotating my body so much.

Not sure what my total T1 time was. I think it is included in my overall bike time. I moved a bit slowly, but it was my first transition ever, so I didn't want to forget anything.

Be a bit more systematic about the order of things. I was trying to hydrate & eat a GU while dressing, but probably should have just done each thing step-by-step. I also wouldn't try putting on gloves with wet hands in the rain. That ate up too much time & I never ended up getting them on anyway. Oh, and my running shirt was my base layer, and then race number had come unpinned so I had to repin it before putting it on. UGH!

Very windy and cold w/ downpours by the time I got on the bike. It was hard to get up to my normal speed b/c of the wind. Additionally, my feet were freezing and numbed up. It was difficult to keep my legs going b/c they were very stiff due to the cold weather. By the end, my hands were practically frozen in position! I had to talk to myself a lot on the bike to fight off discouragement. It was a constant struggle, me vs. the weather. Otherwise, I felt great.

I actually felt better than I was able to perform. I can honestly say that, for this leg, the weather conditions were 99% what affected me from doing my best on the ride. I can't think of any clothing or preparation that would have made this part better for me.

When I got back to T2, I felt really disoriented. I couldn't see my number to get my bike back to the rack and needed help. Once I got back to my area, my hands were numb so I struggled getting my bike helmet off. Once I did that, lacing my running shoes was very difficult. I was very very cold.

For the first half of the run, I could not feel my feet at all. I kept looking down, everything felt weird, like I had my left shoe on my right foot and vice versa. Overall, the lack of feeling in my arms and leg made me be able to plow through the run and not care. I ended up getting a bad foot cramp in my left foot during the last mile or so.

I needed to warm up more than anything, lips were purple, took about 15 minutes to stop shaking.


Being very wet and cold for most of the event.


Although the weather sucked, I had a great time. My first tri was a lot of fun and has inspired me to keep working at it. I am excited for my next one at the end of July and I know all the things I need to work on in the meantime. I feel as though the 'bug' has bitten me, and can't wait to do it again. Next time though, I am sure I won't wonder if I'll be frost bitten at the end!