This was the craziest swim that I have ever done. All 35-39 men and woman started together so I was excited about starting with Todd. Of course, we were only together for about 4 strokes before I felt like I was overtaken by the wash machine start. The water was so choppy bacause of the wind and there were tons of people hanging on to kayaks and bouys. It was difficult to turn at the bouys because so many people were in the way just trying to hold on. Greg started before us so I kept on hoping that he was finished and he wasn't one of the ones that had given up. This was my first open water swim without a wetsuit since last year and I liked it. I was trying to focus on the technique and just get through the swim.

Warm up so I would not be so shocked by the conditions.

As I ran out of the water, Katheryn told me that Greg was out of the water, I was relieved and knew that he would do great on the rest. Put my helmet on, grabbed my bike, and took off.

Had trouble hopping on my bike after the dismount line. Ended up straddling the bike then taking off. I was a little bummed about that.

After I got going I tried to figure out where Todd and Greg were. So I pushed it trying to catch up with them. I saw Greg around mile 3 or 4 and he looked great. He even seemed like he was having fun! Then at the turn around I saw Todd and he looked very smooth on the bike. I think this is the first bike segment in a race where I had no issues and nothing really to report.

Train more in this nasty wind. The crosswinds were pretty strong.

I got my feet on top of my shoes with plenty of time so I was ready for the dismount. It felt smooth and I was excited to hop off correctly this time. Had lots of trouble getting my racing shoes on though. Took sips of water, grabbed Garmin off bike and took off.

Loosen race shoes before the event.

I started the run with my heart rate out of control. I felt like I was breathing so loud and could not get comfortable in my stride. I thought to myself, this is a 2 mile run just push it but it seemed like a LONG 2 miles. I was ready to be done and I had only gone 1/2 mile. Finally, I poured water over my head at the water station and felt better. I saw Todd at little bit before the turn around, saw Greg and Peter as well. They looked good and I was happy for Greg. Tried to high-five Jake and saw the kids having a ball playing right before the finish!

Train more in the heat to get used to increase HR

Went and found Todd, Jen, Katheryn, and Robin and Todd, and cheered on Greg! Watched him cross the finish line and so thrilled that he did it! For those who do not know, Greg is my little brother who has fought Leukemia and has been in remission for several months now. He is a fighter and now a triathlete! Thanks Jen for taking so many pictures and for watching the kids when we raced!!!! And thanks to the Murphys for coming out today to support the gang! You all rock!



Me - train more in the pool and the run.