It took me awhile to get warmed up. I also was very uncomfortable with the crowding. It never really opened up. I actually stopped briefly to tread water two or three times to get my bearings. This is a very good swim for me-- I did much better rankwise relative to the other events.

Keep pressing on.

Slow transition, in part because of my having trouble getting the suit off my ankles, also my shirt was inside out so I had to fix it before putting it on.

practice taking the wetsuit off.

Just as in the swim, it took me awhile to warm up. My legs were aching at the start, but then loosened up pretty well. It was hillier than I expected.

Pretty quick transition for me. ;-)

I messed up with my Garmin and didn't switch it to run mode, so I would do this right the next time.

Did well, I think. I wasn't sure of my pace at first because the Garmin was in bike mode, and I thought I was going slow. I ended up keeping a nice steady pace, at just about the right speed for me. I felt pretty good, too. I practiced drinking and even drank some Heed at the first water stop.

I could've pushed myself more, but there was a brief moment at the start when I felt dizzy, my legs felt weak, etc., and I figured I should take it easy. I realize now that it was the same situation with the swim and bike-- I just need a little time to warm up. I think I did pretty well. Nobody passed me.

I walked around quite a bit, so no cramping. In part, you were forced to do this, because the water was a fair distance from the finish line.


Mainly inexperience, I think. I need to do more swims to get comfortable in crowds.


A really nice event. My biggest concern going in was that the water would be so cold I wouldn't be able to breathe. It turned out to be a non-factor, and it was a blast to be able to take a swim outdoors so early in the season. I had a relaxing time afterwards with Carrie and the Richeys.