Too many slow and/or weak swimmers overestimated their abilities and got into the water first. This created some mess in the middle lanes, as faster swimmers tried to pass. I had to slow down and find a room to safely pass quite a few of them. I thought I am the slow swimmer:) It felt good to pass some people in the pool anyway. The swim time was not bad at all considering obstacles.

Position myself in 6 minutes marked sector instead of 10.

I really took my time to dry myself up and change to bike shorts. Also I used earplugs, to protect against chilly wind getting over my ears. I lost good minute or two, but it was planned.

Nothing.

The laps were not counted on the timing mat. Athletes had to do it by themselves. Many first timers to pass, some of them riding on left side or in pairs. Not my fastest ride, but I felt good to begin run after.

Ride faster, change gears and taking turns better. Lost some time waiting for some people jammed up in front od me.

Again, I did not rush to change shorts to running and switching shirts.

This time nothing. It was sunny with chilly wind, so I took it safely.

One of my best 5K runs. I felt really good and could push even harder, but I kept in mind that this is first triathlon of the season.

Nothing.

Some stretching and walk only.


I had a plan to take it easy, safely and have fun in my first sprint this season.


I am definitely hooked into triathlon after last year and could not wait to find a first opportunity to race. Even though Muncie is far from Gurnee, it was not a problem to drive over 4 hours just to experience a new adventure in a place I have never been before. This was first time Ball State University organized triathlon. There was not enough info either on web page or at the event. Little chaotic in the beginning at the pool, but overall nice. There is room for improvement.