After about 4 minutes in the water there wasn't a soul around and my brain was telling me I had no reason to be racing. I've never been that far back in the swim and it was so discouraging. There were only 10 women overall and I just had to tell myself that at least I was being active and that it didn't matter if I was last. The internal battle raged for about 10 minutes and then I prayed that my attitude would change. It did and I enjoyed the rest of the swim, except at the shallow parts where I hadn't checked the course enough to know there were sharp rocks ,so running was hazardous. Sighting was a breeze as the water was clear and I could see the rope for the most part which connected the large orange bouys. I exited the swim at the same time as another lady although I never saw her or felt her other than when we both stood up to run out.

Check out the swim course thereby knowing the best way around the rocky parts. Be prepared mentally to be one of the last out of the water and just deal with it. I wasted energy on beating myself up over my inadequacies.

Normal wetsuit stuck on heel.

Look at cutting more length off the bottom of the wetsuit.

AG rank was a tie for 3rd - having the EXACT same bike split as Barb which is funny to me. The last race we did together was a HIM and I caught her early on the bike but I couldn't today as she was ahead of me by 3 1/2 minutes out of T1. I felt fine on the bike - eating periodically and drinking e-fuel and water. Not a single soul passed me, but I passed by some folks doing the sprint and then some guys out on the oly course. Saw Barb at one point and told her I was coming to get her. Saw Dirk in 4th place on the bike as he was heading back and did a shout-out to him. I knew he wanted a podium spot so I prayed he'd make up some time on the run. I wasn't as confident about my bike fitness as I was this time last year so I wasn't sure what to expect. Overall I was pleased

My pace put me into the 19s per mile for the first time in all the Oly's I've done so I've nothing to complain about. I know I can get in the 20s but need more training time.

I don't know why, but I sat down to put on my running shoes. I never do that. Weird. Also, I made a rookie mistake and started to run a few steps then remembered I didn't have my race belt. Duh.

Think through the steps of transition as I'm finishing up the bike. I just mentally had a brain fart on this one.

I felt great the whole run. Really - that was the most enjoyable run I've ever had in a tri. I kept cool with some ice down my sports bra as there's one section of the course that's open sky and the sun was blazing at that time. After my marathon run a few weeks before where I was feeling awful, this was a pleasant change. I never saw Dirk or Barb so we must have passed on those sections where the trail went around the other. I always forget to look at my watch but realized with a couple miles to go that this could be a PR if I could keep it up. I was passed by a couple guys but I chased down one girl and a couple guys so I was feeling pretty good. The oranges I'd grabbed in T2 tasted awesome.

Nothing. Totally enjoyable to me and I don't care if it seems I wasn't racing. I was, but I knew I didn't want to feel crappy like I did at my last race.

Poured a bottle of water over my head. Hugged Dirk and Barb. Both had podiumed so I was in the presence of greatness. Chatted a while, took pictures, ate a cookie, got my first place plaque. Since there were only 10 women overall I used the total of us for the stats here, but there was another lady 50-54 so I was 1 out of 2 in my AG and therefore got a 1st place plaque.


My desire to enjoy the experience and not finish feeling like crap. Also, my swim will always be a limiting factor. I missed being 3rd overall by a little over 2 minutes and that was all in the swim. Oh well, for being the oldest lady there, I was happy.


This is a great season-start race at a beautiful state park. They give you a really nice pint glass in your goody bag. The AG plaques are very nice. The course is well marked and volunteers helpful. The weather this year was perfect.