Got in the water with about 2 minutes before the gun. Waded out to waist deep so I was definately in the back of the pack. Once the gun went off, there really wasn't too much bumping as everyone was fairly spread out. Got way off course after the first turn. I was so close to shoreline that I wondered what the penalty would be if I got out and walked down the shore and got back in. Got my rhythm on the back side and kept a good line. Felt really good about the finish right up until I tried to stand up out of the water and got a cramp in my left hamstring. Felt pretty foolish trying to walk by everyone.

Definately need to warm up and definately need to practice sighting in open water.

Didn't wear a wetsuit so all I had to do was put on shoes and helmet and go. Fortunately it was only a very short distance to the transition area.

I guess I could work on having the shoes attached to the bike but I don't know that it would make all that much difference in the long run.

I tried to count how many passed me. I think it was somewhere between 10-15 and I maybe passed 4-5. I felt much better than I expected and tried to keep a good pace but the hills took their toll. I tried to keep someone in front of me and if they left me, I just waited on someone else. Apparently I was 1 of 4 people who got a 2:00 penalty. I certainly did not know that I got a penalty until I saw the results and certainly do not know what I did to get one. If I got a draft off someone, I wish they would have told me so I could have at least known of the benefit for the penalty.

I just need to keep riding and get my legs stronger.

Just had to sit and put on socks and tie the shoes and put on my race number.

I don't know that I could have done much differently. I just could not move any faster.

First half of the first loop was miserable. Could not get the legs to work very well. Second half and first half of second loop were much better and only had to stop once. Last half was miserable again as I just could'nt get the legs to move. I wanted to finish under 3:00 so I just pushed it as hard as I could.

Nothing that more training won't cure, at least I hope.

Was just glad to get through it. Didn't really have much of a warm down other than packing up. With a 5 hour drive ahead, I didn't waste much time hanging around.


Great venue for my first Olympic distance race. Weather turned out to be perfect, a little overcast and mid-70's temps made it an enjoyable event.

Met all three of my goals:
1. Finish
2. Not finish last
3. Under 3:00