My first OWS. I started outside and and the back not really knowing what to expect in a race other than reading BT threads. I was going at my normal slow pace but still started passing people. Lots of people were frog kicking and stopping even in the first 200 meters. I tried to find someone to draft I think with such a short course it was just too crowded and bunched up. Ended up just working on sighting and trying to stay on course and not running into people ahead.

Had heard beforehand that the water was warm and nasty. I didn't think it was bad. I would say visiblity was at least a few feet and can't complain about warm water!

Nothing. More swimming will eventually increase my speed, but it was nice to complete the swim without being tired.

There was a long run from the swim end to the transition. Didn't have any issues. After transition there was a right hand up hill segment they made us walk the bike up before mouting. This was a hard segment to navigate with cleats on and something changed after the race had started.

Nothing, going to be a while before I worry about mouting with shoes clipped in so I'm happy with my time.

With such as short course it was very crowded. Several times I had to cross over the bumpy things in the middle of the road to avoid slower riders riding two or three wide. Downhill was tough as there were again lots of slow riders that I was trying to pass. Only problem I had was with one of the roundabouts on the first lap. It was the only point in the course that I didn't have someone directly ahead. The turn wasn't marked and I went the wrong way. Had to divert back on course.

More hill work in training!

Entry to transition was a 90 degree left at the bottom of a steep hill. This was slippery with cleats on and several people went down here. Put on socks and tied my shoes so took a bit longer than T1.

Forgot my garmin 305 on the bike.

Remember to take the garmin along.

First part of the run was tough for me. Hadn't done any bricks in my two months of training and now know it's a time to start. During the desert/trail part of the run there were two hills that were challenging. On the second half of the run they directed you back alongside the transition area. I thought this was the finish but we still had over a mile to go. The actual finish line wasn't marked and was through the hotel tunnel/bridge around a bend so there was no indiciation it was coming. Could have started sprinting early.

Having my garmin along would have been nice so I knew what pace and how long I'd been running.

post race breakfast provided which was nice.


Since this was my first race, no idea how hard to ride on the bike as I wanted to have energy left to run.


My first race so nothing else to compare it to.

No finishers medals or tags :( I know for many people who do lots of events these aren't important but I was looking forward to one from my first race.

I won my age group but wasn't able to stay for the awards so hoping they can mail out medal as I heard there were ones for that. Probably going to be the only time I win my AG so would have been nice to have been there!

Talked to several friendly people before and after the race. My family and friends weren't at the race so no one to hang out with.