rough surf, swells. hard to get started everyone hit the water and was being knocked around into each other.

note for backstrokers: START TOWARD THE BACK. please? it's really frustrating when someone starts in the front and flips over and starts backstroking in the first 50 yds.

maybe try to position myself better, but i think unless i was one of the fastest in the wave i was bound to get caught up in the start.

it's a long-ish run up the beach, under the tunnel and into transition - had problems getting my suit off and then was a longish run out of transition

heavy cross winds - slight headwind out and slight tail back. did not feel great. really wanted to average 20+

i just need more time on the bike and more intervals

this isn't bad for me - especially considering how big/long transition was.

i should probably learn how to take my feet out of my shoes on the bike so i can run through transition barefoot.

i am happy with this. last year i was running 10 minute miles for this distance in a sprint tri, and this is only 30 seconds off my 5k pr (and felt better than the day i set that PR!). i still have some more to go, but i'm getting there.

horribly, horribly organized, especially for a big race in its 18th year. vehicle control on the bike course was poor, the awards ceremony was poorly organized (not that i placed, but my husband did) was very unhappy with several things about this race and will not do it again.