Swim felt long. The algae/seaweed kept getting on my face and sometimes around my mouth and around my arms. It was hard to ignore, but I kept swimming. A few people swam over me. I felt like I got off course a couple of times. It was still my best time. I saw a lot of people standing up around me, but I kept swimming until I felt the algae on the bottom. I think the short arms were an advantage. By the time I stood up the water was only knee deep. I had more energy coming out than I expected. Mike said I ran up to the transition area. I didn't realize it.

I thought the swim went really well, considering how overwhelmed I was when I saw the buoys. It looked much farther than the 1/4 mile I'd been swimming in the pool. Also it was my first open water swim. Maybe I would trust myself more and swim more and check the buoys less.

No wetsuit. Someone else had a pan of water they'd already used. I ran through it to get the sand off. Decided against socks at the last minute. Too hard to put on wet feet. That saved a little time. I already had my gels in the pocket of my jersey. I'm not sure I'll ever be coordinated enough to jump on the bike while running.

Remember my towel for set up and my own pan of water. I'm not really sure how to rate these since they're my first time.

Legs were good, but my hands get really tired -- not my arms, just my hands. Sometimes I was really slow -- 9mph a couple of times. I was riding hard, but I still couldn't get my speed up. I tried shifting gears, but it didn't always have the effect I wanted. It was easier, but not faster. The head wind during some parts made the ride pretty challenging. I was out there by myself though. No worries about drafting!

I think I did the best I could. I'm still learning how to use the gears to maximize my effort. I also want to learn how to drink and ride. Have to stop to drink.

I was a little confused about where to dismount. Went without the socks with the running shoes. I'm not up to jumping off the moving bike yet. I'll have to work up to that -- not really sure I'll ever get that coordinated though.

Go with socks; take 2 minutes and hit the restroom.

Well, actually I walked most of the time. I think I could have jogged more if I had taken a pit stop at T2. It was still a personal best time (or close to it) though.

Wear socks, or use the body glide on my ankles. Got some blisters.

Cried at the finish. Just so overwhelmed by it -- and so thrilled! Hung out with my friends who came to support me. They are awesome!! Couldn't eat. Actually couldn't eat much for a long time after.


This was my first tri; no matter how prepared I thought I was, inexperience was a limiting factor. I'll get faster as I continue to train and take some weight off. I'll also work on transitions, even to just make myself more comfortable during the transition.


Parvin State Park was the right size race for me. Laid back and everyone was so friendly and encouraging. I went to the Philly tri this weekend, too. Exciting, but glad I was just a spectator at it -- this time.