Even is a smallish race, there was a fair amount of chaos/licking other swimmers at the outset. I started near the back and some guys were hitting backstroke after a minute. I swapped between free and breast to catch my breath and sight. Overall, I was happy for my first OWS.

The typical - swim more, get faster. I felt sluggish running up the hill to the transition area but wasn't really lagging my competitors.

Smaller race and transition area led to quicker T! time. I said "screw it" when it came to socks. My feet seemed to make it ok so maybe that's the way to go for Sprint tris.

Get a little better organized - with the rain and trash bags they gave us, it felt a little scattered.

Never felt great on the bike. Partly the course & weather (hot and humid) takes credit for that (75%), partly my conditioning (25%). Haven't practiced riding after a swim in some time.

Felt slow but was ok, I decided to grab a water bottle to squirt on my head as it was hot and humid and I get crushed in that kind of weather.

I suffered but that seems to be a trend for the two tris I've done. Walked the steep hill the first go round as I was gassed. I probably tacked on 10-15 seconds when I thought the finish was the transition area, only to yell an expletive when my buddy yelled at me to finish at the finish line of all places. This could have used a little extra attention by the volunteers as it got a little convoluted near the start/finish.

Went with my wife's old school Ironman watch, maybe using my Garmin would have forced me to run faster? I felt like I went as fast as I could so not sure how much that would have helped.

The Chocolate Milk industry has drilled into my head that I need to consume this "after" and I did. Lots of food and whatnot set up by vendors as the sponsorship was pretty solid. Having a NASCAR driver's foundation probably had something to do with it.


This was my first OWS tri so I'd say "experience".


Having a shorter distance OWS tri was the big appeal for me, plus it was close to home. I hope JJ's Foundation has this next year as I'd like to do it again and see how a more experienced version of me stacks up!