Had problems getting my rhythm (kept struggling for breath and switching to swimming on my back), until midway when I decided to breathe every other stroke. Sighting was OK, bumped a bit but didn't get shaken from it.

Spend more time on warmup (bring a sweatshirt for post-warmup), focus on breathing better (every other stoke if needed); more OWS practice, if possible.

Kinda tough getting socks onto wet feet (even though I dried w/ microfiber cloth). LONG uphill climb from T1 to mounting line (which I ran), no room to jump onto bike, had to stop and mount before chip sensor line. (Wow-my T1 ranking was 16 out of 53!)

Ditch the socks once I get bike shoes.

Took a few miles to catch my breath after swim and T1 uphill run (worth it?). Passing match between a few strong riders: I pass uphill, they pass downhill (no aero position on that bloody hybrid bike!). Went easy and spun gears on uphill to save legs for run. Mild stomach discomfort w/ Gatorade (Arctic frost).

Other than a new bike and bike shoes, more time in saddle and more hill training.

Impossible to jump off at dismount: steep uphill climb. Walked down hill to T2 to stretch legs for run (and keep from falling).

Practice dismounts up hills.

Mild stomach discomfort from bike, so swallowed down an Accelerade Accel Gel (Kiwi Strawberry) slowly over 2 water stops. Felt good once legs got warmed up after the first long hill.

Train with more hill work, more bricks.

Light jog, stretch, gatorade. Chocolate milk w/ lunch.


Swim, swim, swim: need to get my breathing rhythm under control and get some OWS practice. BIG difference between swimming in a murky lake and a pool with lanes. Time in the saddle and hill work on bike/runs also important for this race. A tri bike would help, too (donations welcome).


Terrific organization. Very memorable for my first tri. Will definitely do again next year.