Last thing I said to my buddy as we were wading in for the start "I'm going for it!" Mistake is an understatement - I could not see, there were feet in my face, my arms were on other swimmers backs and legs, my legs were being pushed under by swimmers coming over me. 200 meters out I was dog paddling and I felt like I was breathing with a pillow in my face. What a riot. Good lesson. Took a full lap to recover. Swam ok overall.

Start anywhere but front middle of the pack. Warm up more.

Disoriented, the cold water seemed to take the feeling out of my feet, slow to get to the transition cage. I had no transition plan (still learning). Wetsuit came off quick otherwise.

Make a list, rehearse.

Used my 12 year old hardtail mountain bike, put some fat road tires on it. My chest felt like a parchute with the headwind. Fun to watch the elite women blow by (delayed start). I was in top gear on the way back and needing more. I saw a couple racers repairing flats - it occurred to me I had not planned for this. No problems, dumb luck.

Borrow a road bike, have a plan for flats.

I felt efficient through T2 other than I had to stop for the restroom before the run.

Speed laces for the running shoes.

Slow to get going, first half felt ok. Last three miles I was out of gas and hot. I could see a guy that passed me on the bike up ahead (age group 65 - 69) I basically tried to keep him in sight for 2 hours. I was very inspired to be trying to catch him, finally got by him on the last mile. I hope to be a 3 hr Olympic triathlete at 65! Awesome.

Take more water at every aid station.

Re-hydrate, cheer on some late finishers.


Inexperience


Great race to learn how to execute a triahtlon. Could not compare to others at this point, BUDU puts together a good event, I had fun.