Water was very comfortable temp. Some people swam without wetsuits. As I was zipping up, my zipper SNAPPED OFF and had to do the swim with it open. It acted like a parachute and really slowed me down. Thought about taking it off but that would have taken a while in the middle of the lake. Swam into 2 buoys trying to cut them as close as possible. Also, so much chop that I was getting seasick. Crazy!!

Take dramamine. Have a better wetsuit. Open water swim is SO DIFFERENT from pool. Would get more time in the lake.

I tried to run to my bike but I was only able to walk. When I took off my wetsuit, I tried to do it stnading up and fell over. It stuck on one heel. After I got it all the way off, I sat for probably 5-6 minutes trying to get my bearings and trying not to throw up. Got my breathing under control, got my shoes on and off I went.

Goal was not to throw up. Mission accomplished!

Riding the course before hand was a definate advantage. I knew when the big climb was coming and got hydrated and ate and was ready. Passed about 20 people and then went screaming downhill

With hind sight being 20/20, I would have expended every bit of energy because I was so sore anyway, I couldn't run properly. Would have attacked on the rollers and on a few of the descents

Very fast transition. I was looking for my family because my sons wanted to run with me. Got some water at aid station and away I went.

Nothing

I COULD NOT find my rhythum after the ride. I could only shuffle and if I tried to run in longer strides, I had an enourmous amount of pain in my hips, thighs and lower back. Was able to run just prior to the 4 mile marker but had a good pace after that. Got to finish with my 3 sons and that was really the highlight of the race.

Everything! Better shoes, more emphasis on running part of the tri. I really hate to run and I guess it shows. Almost all of my work was on a treadmill with just a few outdoor miles.

Short walk, locust-like eating in the finishing area


I was pretty mentally exhausted by the middle of the run. Strength wise I was ok but physically, I was in a lot of pain and weighed that against possibility of injury and just took it easy until my legs/back loosened up


This was the most poitive experience I could imagine. I crossed the finish line with my 3 sons only 29 minutes off the time I had hoped for. Well organized and staffed, I look forward to volunteering next year.