Tried to start at the back left on a clockwise swim but I kept running into the people in front of me. The whole swim freaked me out. I kept trying not to run into anyone and just could not get going. Hind sight is that it's a contact sport and you can't worry about bumping into people and just swim. Actually had several people that would swim a zig zag pattern and it was tough trying to get around them.

Next time I would start further to the front. I wasn't as slow as I thought and It's too hard to pass people that aren't swimming very fast.

200+ meter run to T1 included in this split. Not bad this time was 11 for my AG

Run Faster

The bike was going good I was passing people and avg over 19 then My hamstring started to cramp with 3 miles left. I didn't think I was pushing too hard I think My hydration from the previous day caught up with me. So I slowed a bunch to make sure I could finish the run. This was on a section that was fairly flat also. So I lost all the positions I gained. This was the most dissapointing part of the race because I know I am better than that.

Have a less stressful day before the race and be better prepared for the race.

Pretty good transition elected for no socks. I would pay for that later.
Time 5th for AG and 38th overall not bad for a first timer

Wear socks

The mud was ankle deep in places ansoon my shoes were filled with a nice sandpaper like mud that wore a blister in both arches. But back to the race. Felt good coming off the bike. I thought to myself wow the way my leg felt I thought I'd be dead. Started out the trail and 200 yards in both calfs cramped bad. Oh shit so I started stiff leg running like Forrest Gump. This worked well till the cramps went away but did not gain me any style points with the other racers. The cramps in my calves let up so I picked up the pace then My hamstring woke up. Oh shit here we go again. this process worked it's way around to every muscle in my legs un till the end of the first lap. Wish I had video of this I'm sure it was comical. I figure the first 1.5 was at 10-11 mile pace. Then magically the cramps went away and I started chasing people down. The blisters hurt like hell but ay least my legs were functioning.This is when I though of what Mtnchick13 told me. If you don't feel like your going to barf the your not trying hard enough. So I went as hard as I could traction in the mud was tough to deal with but everone had the same trail to work with. On the last hill ov the run I past an 18 year old and I heard him say NO WAY when he saw the 41 on my calf. Then he sprinted by me. But I trailed him for the final 200 and passed him with 20 left. It's the small victories right. You know the dog fight for 97th place :) Any way I'm happy with my time because I know I smoked the last 1.5 miles. Even though I didn't Quite Ralph at the end (Sorry M.A. )

All in all 4 months ago I was 198 pounds and coulden't swim or run more than 50 yards at a time. Now I'm 169 and a Triathlete. It sounds weid to say that but I'm damn proud of it. And It's thanks to you people At BT
THANKS: mtnchick13, evil lizzie, tri it cajun style, jbauer and everyone else who has encoured me through this. PINEHURST OLY HERE I COME.

Not cramp and Ralph so MaryAnn would be proud. Just Kidding

Walk around and cool off


Pre race nutrician and preperation


I havn't seen many so I'm not a good judge