Practically dead last...70 of 74 women out of the water. Made the mistake of thinking I could handle the middle. Too much splashing, kicking, and had to start out way too fast. Had an asthmatic reaction - of course, forgot to use the inhaler that morning, so spent the rest of the swim on my back or side trying to catch my breath. Abysmal.

Start to the side, wait for the crowd to pass. Take an Open Water Swim Clinc to feel more comfortable sighting. Oh yeah, don't forget the inhaler.

Still just trying to catch my breath...used Body Glide, which helped immensely getting the suit on and off. Would highly recommend around ankles, shoulders, neck and wrists.

Best bike leg to date...just switched to Michelin Pro 3 Racing tires on my road bike, and got shortie aerobars. Last fall, got the Speedplay pedals and clip-in shoes. All have made such a difference...if you haven't done the switch...you won't be fast without clip-in shoes, and skinny tires make a huge difference. So if you don't have a Tri Bike, you can surely optimize the efficiency on your road bike.

I need to find a water container I can just suck from a straw without taking my bottle out from the cage. I slow down way too much to drink.

Good transition - velcro cycle shoes are the way to go...slipped on running shoes w/ elastic laces - no tying, helmet off - running cap on, and away I went.

Don't drink gatorade at the water stations - stick to water...way too concentrated, and I immediately cramped.

Felt good on the run...very steady...fastest post-bike run I've done.

I only run 1-2 x a week, because it's my strongest event. With a little more training, I should be able to drop that time to below the 8-min mile mark.

Walked around - ate a hamburger.


The Swim! It did me in...need to keep calmer - stay out of the feeding frenzy.


Really loved this race...great first event for the season...calm, clean water, flat, fast roads for both the bike and run. The people who organized and ran the event were wonderful. I will definitely mark my calendar to do this one again next year.

Despite my poor swim, I'm very pleased I was 70 of 74 women out of the water, but placed 35 of 74 when I finished. Since the top three female finishers are also in my age group (45-49...holy cow, women just faster and tougher in their 40s!), that actually bumped me up to 2nd place in my age group, according to their official list. Not bad, considering I swam like a netted tuna. I'll take it!