This was my first open water swim ever. I started toward the back of the group to avoid getting kicked and crashing into people. I did pretty good I think sighting and staying out of packs. I didn't draft anyone because I was scared of being kicked or running into them.

Not drink as much lake water.

Had to run a bit to get into the transition area. I was not as disoriented as I thought I would be. They really needed some more mats out on the sidewalks. The stone used on them was sharp. I almost cut my foot on one rock that was sticking out.

Nothing

The headwind was killer, but the tailwind really made up for it. I killed my legs on the hills. They were tough being at the end of the course.

Train on more hills (I keep saying this in every report...)

My transition was perfect. Until I had to pee... wasted way too much time doing that. Had to go the entire bike and was holding it.

Not have to pee.

My quads were cramped the whole time. I ran though the pain and stopped at each aid station to walk it out and stretch. Despite the pain and stopping, I still set a PR on the run.

Nothing.

Hobbled around trying to get my legs back. Ate a free burger after my stomach settled and could handle solid food. It was really good.


The wind and having to pee the entire bike. Also hills.


The spectator crowd control was awful. There were tons of people in the way around the finish line and by transition. It was pretty ridiculous. My parents said they saw some kid get his leg broken cause he ran out on the course in front of a cyclist. The traffic control was great on the bike. The buoys were big and well spaced. Very easy to see. I had a lot of fun seeing how far I could push myself. I think I did awesome considering that this was my first open water swim, and the longest race I have ever done. I was hoping to finish in 3:30, and really out did that goal! First Olympic race complete!!!! Next stop, Ironman 70.3...