I did keep it under 2 min/100 yds, but just barely! Me breathing was terrible for this event, as bad as I could've imagined it. I went out stron around the first buoy, maybe 200 yds, and then I couldn't catch my breath for the next 1200 yds! I never thought about training swimming in my new tri top, which had no give in my chest. It allowed my lungs no room for inflation, and so every breath was a gasp! The last 500 yds I started to find a little rythym, and was able to free the last 200 yds or so. I also wasn't prepared for so much chop and boat waves being in a large open lake with a steady breeze. I also got hung up with a swimmer that had no sight control, and was all over me for about 500 yds. The two laps caused for constant passing too.

First and most important will be to find the right tri suit or top to wear, and train in it! Otherwise I'll have to swim with no top on. I don't think the chop or traffic would've bothered me if I didn't have an anxiety attack for about half of the swim. But, I need to OWS train when it's a little breezy and get used to some chop.

Having my tri top on definitely saved me some time. I was able to run up the boat launch into the transition without any leg cramps, which I couldn't do well last year. Need to start training shorter runs without socks to see if I can keep them off the whole race. This would really save a bunch of time not putting socks on with my bike shoes.

Work on shoe strategy. Definitely do the bike with no socks on. Try not to dry or take on fluids in the transition area.

I was very happy with all but two minutes of the ride. My rear derailer over ran and bound my chain up with the bike frame, going down the only steep hill on the course. I figure it took well over a minute to get my chain back on, and probably lost another minute in cadence, having to coast down the hill. Otherwise, I was pretty happy with the ride. I would've been over 20 mph without the chain issue.

Get my bike checked at a shop before my HIM. I did a very thorough degreasing before this, but not sure if that could've caused a problem.

Very disorganized on this one. I forgot my race number belt, so I had to try and pin my number. Lost one of the pins and spent a few seconds searching for it before giving up and running with my bib hanging by one pin! Lacing up my shoes went ok. Going to start working on cinch laces with no socks.

Switch to non-tying laces and practice running without socks! Remember my damn belt also!!!

This was a pretty good run for me. Went out maybe a little too strong. I was right around 7:20 min/mi for the first half. I walked through all three aid stations to take in as much fluid as possible. It was starting to get pretty warm down the stretch. I didn't get crampy, but was starting to feel it coming on in my hammy's. I had a good kick for the last half mile or so.

Perhaps start a little slower. But I may have been able to maintain my starting pace if it was a little cooler. Also need a different tri top. It definitely effected my breathing a little.

Walked around the finish line area for 5 minutes or so. Got plenty of post race nutrition. Walked to the transition area and stretched out thoroughly.


Equipment! Tri top and loosing my chain on the bike. Of course there's things I need to improve as well. Both transitions need work, and primarily around shoes/socks.


I was very happy with this race being my first one of the year. It definitely gave me a list of things to work on!