86/102 - sex; 15/16 - group; I had no idea what to expect and knew this would be my toughest segment. I didn't expect it to be as hard as it was. Started in the back of my wave, waited a 10 count after the signal. I started much too fast and was winded after 100 yards. Did at least one third of the swim on my back. I had severe doubts during the first half and really thought I was gonna DNF. The psychological difference between the "out" and "back" portions was stark. Once I rounded the buoy, I was able to roll over and swim at a reasonable, maintainable pace. Found my rythm and just did it. Navigation was horrible, but it was a secondary priority at that point. My pace was +50% that of my "pool pace". This can and should be improved dramatically.

Don't worry about the pack. Run my race and swim slowly at first. Find a maintainable rythm and pace. Get that locked in and then focus on improving form and possibly pace a little bit. Navigation: follow the pack at first. Once it's dispersed I should be in a groove and looking up every six strokes.

Wow was I slow on this transition! Three reasons; shell shock from the swim, I took forever to put on my singlet, lack of preparation and rehearsal.

Rehearse this transition multiple times exactly as it will be done in a race. Doing it mentally is no substitute. Be able to do it by rote. Wear a tri-suit or other clothing that can be put on easily.

90/102 - sex; 15/16 - group; The hills were challenging. I improved my rank overall and within my sex, so that's a good sign. I really have to work on my gear changes. It's not something I've paid enough attention to. My bike is a limiter, it wasn't made for this. The straight handlebars make staying in a more aeor position very fatiguing. My left clip also became loose in the last couple of miles which was annoying. Did one Gu about 5 miles in.

I don't know what there was to be done differently given my bike and experience level. I believe I did this segment the best I could have at the time. I just need to improve my overall conditioning and skills on the bike by training smart and consistently. A better bike would help, but that will come in time. Took far too long getting my gel out of the singlet pocket, then putting the wrapper back. This cost me time. Find a way to be more efficient.

I wore my running shoes, so this could only go fairly well. I did go slow in the T area, but it was all new, I really had no idea what was what.

Walk from my bike to the run exit a couple of times pre-race. I lost a little time finding the exit.

66/102 - sex; 13/16 - group; My best segment. Improved my rank in every category. I'm pleased with the sub 9 min. mile. I was able to sprint at the end and finish relatively strong.

Push it just a little more, not be quite so conservative. I had more in me and could have finished stronger. Bricks will be useful for this.

Walked, drank water, ate a bagel w/ PB, some orange quarters.


Inexperience, sleep (5 hours is just not enough), bike (13 y.o. hybrid), I've been running less than a year, swimming and biking for 4 mos. Not focussing on nutrition as much as I could. Illness, vacation, and some inattention kept me from adhering to the training plan. I believe if I had adhered to it as written and tried harder to get open water training time in, I would have performed better.


It was my first one and I finished! I finished a triathlon. I learned alot, both about the sport and about myself. My goal was to simply finish, but my secondary goal was to do it in under 2:10, so I'm happy with my overall time. I didn't expect to have so many volunteers cheering the racers on, particularly on the run. That was cool. I recommend the race for anyone interested. I particularly liked that they had chiropractors available afterward.