The seeding was way off resulting in clogged lanes and lots of bumping. Couldn't ever get going with a smooth stroke and breathing. Lots of turbulence caused from so many swimmers in pool simultaneously.

I'm not sure I could do anything given the seeding situation. I do need better gear as the tri top and shorts I wore for the swim trapped too much water and created drag (and annoyance!).

Get into shoes faster; get a clearer sense of direction as to T1 exit before race.

Downed a Gu pack during second mile. Couldn't/didn't drink enough because of difficulty controlling bike with one hand in gusting (30 mph) winds.

Hydrate more. Need to install Profile Aero drink bottle I bought earlier but never used.

Remember to put race number on BEFORE bike ride! I took off without it and had to turn back after 100 yards. Luckily, a race official said I needn't return to transition area to retrieve it since I had my chip on.

Seized up during first 200 yards and had to walk/jog the first mile. Continued to walk briefly throughout, though only once after water stop at turnaround. Wasted a lot of time with the bib problem early and with the necessity of walking.

Practice bike-to-run transition. Also perhaps add some more to pre-race nutrition, like a banana or some Gu.

Walked around. Had a piece of banana, some sport drink, and a slice of pizza. Leaned on my husband a lot!


Inexperience. This was a learning experience and I trained in the three individual disciplines well. Now I just need to put them together more effectively.


This was my first tri in any capacity (observer, participant, etc.), so no comparisons. Just from my own personal experience, I enjoyed it very much and had no major problems.