First swim in a wetsuit. Was able to practice once in a pool prior to the race. I have to say it was fun because the float of suit allowed me to relax more. My sighting isnt very good (not much chance for open water practice) but I wasnt too far off. Got punched in the face rounding a buoy (and goggles slipped) but not overly physical.

Not much I was feeling really smooth during the whole swim and actually was day dreaming in portions. I think that means I should move it a little quicker.

First triathlon with a wetsuit. practiced at home getting it on and off. I dont think it went bad but I dont have anything to compare it to.

I will let you know after my tri with a wetsuit

I felt good for the race. My own splits from my watch showed I did the second lap 5 minutes faster than the first. I learned some appropriate gear shifts on the second lap. The wind was at your back for a good portion of the ride and right in your face for portions.

I needed to push it a little bit more. My average time from sprint triathlons is in the 20-21 mph range. I was tenative because this was my first oly and I was trying to save a bit for the run.

Not much. I guess I can go faster. I rode without socks but I ran with socks so that takes some time. drank a 30ml dextrose shot. stopped at the water station right out of the gate and made sure I drank a water and a gatorade.

not much

Holy crap it was hot
The swim was nice and cool.
The bike ride was breezy
This was hellish. I ran a 15:35 two mile split. Rockin. Then I hit the pavement and wilted like a thing that wilts. I have never had to walk in a race (5k-half mara) but I broke that record. I ended up running a few marker cones and walking one. I didnt feel so bad for myself when I passed folks getting tended to by medical staff at the side of the road. Caution is the better part of valor for this run

run with a hat ( i finally saw the wisdom in that fashion statement)
dont take off like a sprinter in a 6.2 mile flaming hot race.
dont wear a cotton shirt (they get heavy and floppy when you dump water on your head)

The last mile of the race was my lame warm down
i crossed the finish line dumped my stuff, drank a couple cups of gatorade and jumped back in the lake-that was nice.


Heat and inexperience


Pro- within a 2 hour drive (no overnight needed), flat course for the most part. Once the race got rolling thought it flowed smoothly.First Oly so of course i set a PR. My time was in my predicted range I set for myself.

Con- people who think they can roll up 25 min before a start and get their packet and timing chips. I was told to be there no later than 7A to register. cars were still pulling in at 7:40. Might have helped to have more registration folks. Delay pushed us further into satans kitchen on the run.