The first 200m was a bit tricky as I was in the middle-to-back of the pack. It started to spread out after 400m and I was able to get into a groove. I stayed wide of the buoys (not always intentionally), so I'm sure I put in a few extra meters than I needed to. Otherwise, very pleased with the swim -- right on my training.

Next time I would definitely wear a wetsuit, and get more workouts in it prior to race day. Could probably have a better entry into the water, too -- didn't really practice that. I swam in my bike shorts, which worked ok. Maybe next time I'll try tri shorts.

I would put my sunglasses on before unracking my bike. I made the mistake of trying to jog with the bike and put them on with one hand. Finally had to stop and use 2 hands to do it -- lost some time there.

I really shouldn't complain about the "hills" but where I live everything is truly flat. Did manage to eat a goo pack I had rubberbanded to my handle bars, and I borrowed a tri-bar water bottle for the race and loved that. Happy with my bike performance -- ahead of my normal training.

Overall, I should have trained more on the bike, as I can now see how time can be made up and lost on the bike. I would also like to try it with clips to see if that makes a difference (just used pedal cages).

Better than I expected considering there was a bit of traffic with finishers picking up their bikes when I was trying to go rack mine.

Nearly forgot my race belt and had to go back and grab it -- probably lost 30 seconds there.

Started my run at 11:30am and it was hot!! I just couldn't get into a rhythm. I was too conscious of my slow pace and the time lost by walking. I stopped at every water stop to douse myself and get a drink.

I don't know because my body felt pretty good. It was just a mental handicap, I think. I think a run-based training would benefit me, and, of course, more bricks.

Sat down and stretched out. Also made sure to eat and drink something right away.


More bricks/training would have been helpful.


A lot of fun.