I started pretty close to the front, right behnd the "real" serious female competitors. from years past, I knew I could hold my own up front. I actually stayed up with a lot of the "fast pack" and passed people out to the buoy. On the way back, we were spread out enough that I didn't have anyone to chase and I think my pace died down a bit. I stuck to the rope both ways this time and I, for once, didn't stray too far off course. Overall, I had a lot of fun in the water! Finished 40 seconds under my goal!

Distance has never been a problem for me in the water... but I'm not getting my fast pace back at all. I think I need to work on some sprinting over the winter to pick up the pace a bit.

Not a good transition... I know I'm slow. But I had hoped for no more than 2:30. I almpst choked on a granola bar. Settled for a gel instead. I got stuck trying to put my shirt on. How bad is that? I should have just let me gut hang out on the bike and put my short on the run when I was drier in T2. (Little did I know about the rain at the top of the bike hill)

Not worry about getting dressed. Just get on the darn bike! Also, new pedals/shoes for my bike. And a better nutrition/hydration plan. Gee, where do I start on my transition problems...

I forgot how much I hate that hill... but it wasn't nearly as bad this year on my new "blue baby" as opposed to my mountain bike in years past. The rolling hill section felt great, and I kept it moving. About a mile or so before the turn, it started raining. Not pouring, but enough to get pretty wet. At least it was dry coming down the hill! Finished 30 seconds under goal. Even after having to stop to tie my sneaker.

Keep training as I'm doing. I'm definitely improving. But for next year, I think pedals/shoes are a must. Also, figure out how to hydrate on my bike and not fall off!

What the heck was I doing that it took me this long?

I just don't know what I'm doing wrong...

In a word - my run was "craptastic". I could blame it on the wet feet from the rain on the bike. I could blame it on my lack of food/hydration. I could certianly blame it on my obvious lack in run training. Or maybe that I had to tie my shoe again. But I just sucked all around. I knew when I got off the bike that I was shot. I felt like crap for the first half on a slight hill upward. I thought I wouls be ok on the run back (downhill) but then with 1 1/2 mile to go I got the sick feeling that wouldn't go away. I never got to "kick it in" at the end! At least I didn't actually puke... but still very disappointed in my finish. I at least hydrated weel, just a little too late, I think.

Hmmm... Train more? Eat breakfast? Suck it up? Where to begin...

Found the kids and got lots of hugs. Felt good to be treated like a superhero by a 3.5 and a 1.5 year old. Swapped stories with friends and family that also raced. Got some ice cream and then make a run for the car before the nasty storm hit.


I think mostly poor nutrition/hydration and poor training (particularly on the run).


I truly think this is a fantastic race. Well organiized and a beautiful course! My whole group looks forward to doing it every year!