I had a good start without any major traffic problems and got in a good rhythm after the first buoy. I then started to pass several people who started to fast. I also noticed that I had someone drafting me which, was the first time that has happened. I rounded the second buoy and then the third and lost my drafter at the turn. I then swam to shore. It was difficult to site going into shore because I could not see the buoy or where I was supposed to exit the water. I sited the crowd which, ended up being to the left of the swim exit. I continued to pass people and got out of the water feeling great. My swim coach was at the exit and said I did a great job, which I realized was true when I got the the racks and most of the bikes where still there. This was by far my best race swim to date.

Swim faster...

I had trouble unzipping my wetsuit because I could not find my strap. Someone saw my struggling and offered to help, which I accepted. The rest of T1 went well.

Fasten my strap in my wetsuit collar so I can find it easier and buy triathlon bike shoes.

The course has an average 4/5% grade and I am not great at hills because of my weight. I also have not been able train as much on my bike because it is colder in the mornings, and it showed. The 45 Mph+ downhill runs where fun though. It also appears that the T1 and T2 times where added to the bike time based on my bike computer and the time I normally take in transition.

I will be buying a bike trainer so I can keep my miles up. I also need to train more on hills.

It was a good T2 overall no issues.

Buy triathlon bike shoes so I can leave them on my bike and run without bike shoes.

The hills were hard for me as I do little to no run training on hills. I ended up walking up most the hills and then running down. However, I found a running partner for the last mile and the conversation was nice which, made the last mile go quicker.

Run more so I get better at running and do some hill training.

Lose the 40 lbs of goo I am hauling around. I Also need to keep my bike mileage up and run more so I get better at running.


The weather was great, it was organized well and I had a good time. I had a good swim, but it ended there. My decreased bike training really showed, I definitely need a trainer. My run has always bad, so no surprises. I will probably do this race again next year.