It was a really nice swim. This was my first ever open-water swim so I was very nervous about a lot of it. The in-water start was fine. The other swimmers were not overly aggressive. The current was not very strong and the chop was minimal (I could easily breath on both sides).

Overall, it was an enjoyable swim!

Swim harder. I was too worried about the "open water swim" to really give it my all. Next time...

T1 included a barefoot jog across the rutted asphalt (rutted for traction since we exited the water on a boat ramp), so I wasn't able to jog the entire way (my feet were hurting!). There was then a 1/5 - 1/4 mile jog out of the transition area before we could mount our bikes. Jogging on the asphalt with my bike shoes + cleats was iffy so I didn't jog very fast. Overall, I was satisfied with how I did, though.

Nothing.

Road conditions were suburb. Great markings, shoulder was very clean, great warning of when to slow, where to go, when to mount/dismount. All-in-all, a great bike course (aside from the wind, which can't be helped).

Practice more hills

Again, there was a 1/5 to 1/4 mile jog after dismounting the bike to the transition area. It was a bit shakey on the asphalt.

Need more practice racking my bike. I was worried it was going to blow over.

Also, finish my water bottle on the bike.

I had to stop twice for cross-traffic coming back from the boardwalk. That obviously added to my overall time, but I doubt significantly.

Be more familiar with where the finish line is. I thought I was in the "home stretch" too early and couldn't hold the sprint speed I had started. Bummer for the finish line ending.

Forgot to stretch! I'm paying for it today (the day after the race)


Work demands prevented me from training how I'd hoped to...


This was my first ever triathlon (other attempt had the bike course cut two days prior -- see my other race review) so I can only compare to events that my friends have participated in. I thought this was a wonderful event, though. It started 10-15 minutes late, but that's because the parking situation took a while. I'm very glad they delayed it rather than not allowing the other participants to compete.

I was not able to get my t-shirt and water bottle because, as I said, things were rushed due to the parking delays so I didn't get it before the race. The tent was broken down by the time I finished the race. I emailed the event director to request those items and hopefully I will receive them.