I was very cold to start. I was a little panicked at the beginning and had a hard time finding my rhythm and breath. After about 150-200 yds. I felt like I settled in. At one point I felt fantastic, not that many people around me, was sighting well, only to realize I was sighting the wrong buoy! Fortunately I realized it before I was too far off course. After that, the sighting went well. My plan had been to try to draft a little, and I even practiced in the pool with a friend, but once in the water, I was just trying to focus on good breathing and form.

Try to stay calm in the beginning, and focus on form more throughout. And still practice my sighting.

I was a little bit dazed in T1. Got to my spot and sort of forgot what to do!! Then I snapped to and got it done. The ground was muddy and wet, and when I went to get on my bike I had a really hard time getting clipped in.

Practice getting on bike quickly. (For next year, possible work on leaving shoes on bike.)

I still feel like I could be much better on the bike. I didn't get passed by anyone in my AG, but I still got passed--a lot--especially on the hills. Still, I felt like it was good for me, and was 3 minutes faster than last year.

Do more hill work.

I would have been faster, but my race number popped off of my race belt skirt in transition and I had a hard time pulling my sock on.

Try to not lose the number when I pull up the skirt, or use my race belt. But the skirt is so cute!!

I was a litte tight for the first mile, but then I really pushed. I was very thirsty, but mostly due to the fact that I did not drink enough on the bike. When I got some Heed at a station, I just felt it bouncing around in my stomach. I hate that. Overall, I think this is my best run yet. I pushed hard and left everything on the course. I was very pleased.

I think I need to do more bricks, so the tightness doesn't surprise me so much.

Grabbed some water, stretched a bit, and cheered my friend Veronica through the finish. Had a baby muffin, an apple, and, later, a slice of pizza.


To a certain extent, the conditions on the bike. If it weren't wet, I think I would have pushed a little more. Overall, though, one my best finish to date--8 minutes faster than last year and definitely meeting my goals of finishing in the top half.


Since it was raining, packet pick-up was crazy. The set-up was a little different this year, and I felt like it could have been better. The past-race hospitality was not as good this year, but still okay.