Time also includes run to T1. And, yes, it was a run this year. WHOOHOO! Other than that, with the amount I've practiced my swim this year, this time is actually pretty good. The water was great - not too cold - I didn't wear a wetsuit. I got full-body hugged once and kicked a couple of times, but nobody tried to drown me (like the crowd at the first buoy last year). My arms got tired quick - ooo, I wonder why! I'm proud of this swim, considering my training of late. I was even able to breath every third stroke, and that's really the first time that's happened.

This is the spot where I put that I should swim more. Yep. That would definitely help. And not start out so far to the left and have to swim so far in to the first buoy. Also, I'm thinking a wetsuit would help my time, so maybe try one of those next year. And swim more.

Average T1 for me.

Bring two small towels. I hung the small towel I use to wipe off my feet at the end of my rack so I could find it better. Wiping my feet off would have been nice.

I really had trouble breathing the first few miles - like serious, panting, I-can't-catch-my-breath. I think it was because of the run into T1. And last year I had to change a flat at the start of the bike, so I had time to catch my breath. BUT, NO FLAT THIS YEAR! WHOOHOO! That was my one goal for the race (besides finishing) and I did it. Yay! On that note, it was really weird to be starting out with so many people - last year I was playing catch up the entire time. So, it was pretty cool to be able to pass and be passed and not bring up the rear.

Practice run, bike, run. Not being able to breath was terrible. More hills. More practice. More bricks. More of a lot of stuff. AND, less Gatorade. It made my stomach feel weird this time. I think I'll stick to water next race. - AND, my time was about what I've been doing in practice, so not too bad.

Typical T2, except I had to make room for my bike on the rack. Frustrating, but not too time damaging. Also, I sat to pull on my socks/running shoes.

Get to the race early enough to claim a spot at the end of the rack.

Well, given how little I've run lately, the best comment I can offer is that I didn't die. And, besides water stops, I only walked once, and that was up a evil, evil, killer hill up to the levy, or whatever the evil, evil hill led to. Got passed by a lot of people. Passed a couple. Wouldn't let the guy behind me pass at the end, which means I could have given more during the run.

Run more beforehand.

Talked to people. Walked around a good bit. Played with Hunter, watched Isabella play in the kiddie pools. Ate a piece of pizza and a cookie, drank water, walked around some more.


That's easy! Not enough dedication to training this year. I could point back to surgery, but that was in December. I could point to work, but basically I just need to get my butt off the couch. Despite that, I was really, really happy just to be racing. Oh my goodness, it was just awesome to finish. YES! I'm very excited I did so well, considering my training. I love triathlons again!!!


I still love Clemson - it was my second year doing this race. The reason I gave the "lots of volunteers to help" question a no is because they were letting people through registration ONE PERSON AT A TIME. It was a freaking nightmare at the beginning. Bad on their part. Other than that, there were plenty of volunteers, but not exactly in the right places. Also, they played the national anthem AFTER the junior elites were already rounding the first buoy. That was kind of odd.

Just a note that I will definitely do this race next year, if I can. The race shirts were way cool this year! And the course is just - to me - a fun one to start the year with. It felt good to do this race.