This was a really, really good swim for me. Freestyle the entire time, even when sighting. I did have some issues with my timing chip. The band came loose and I could feel it flapping around on my foot. I had to stop twice and fix it twice. I was afraid it was going to fall off. Felt smooth and strong in the water. First time ever I was under 2:00/100 for a swim longer than 500 yards. I expected to come out of the water in 33-34 minutes so I was thrilled when I looked at my time. Great start to the day and the first time I wasn't excited to be out of the water. I think the longer swim distance let me get into my groove.

Make sure my timing chip band is secure. I noticed that it didn't seem to be sticking very well before the race. I should've done something about it then instead of futzing with it in the water. Otherwise, this swim went perfectly. Felt good and really happy with my time.

Not sure what my T1 time was since it was included in the bike split.

I think this went well. Can't think of anything I would've done differently. I didn't putz around in transition. Helmet on, shoes on, and went on my way!

Biking is the most difficult of the three sports for me. Still working on confidence and this was a tough course with windy, rainy conditions so my weakness was exaggerated. Braked on pretty much every downhill. OK, every downhill. Uphill was fine. I know that I'll improve if I continue to work on it. Going into it, my goal was to not hit the brakes on any of the downhills. Failed. I was 7 minutes slower than I expected on the bike. The good thing was that I couldn't wait to get off the bike and start running! Kept telling myself the faster I got through the biking, the sooner I could start running :)

Ride more, not touch the brakes so much, TRUST MYSELF on the bike. I like to ride, just not very fast. I know my legs have a lot more to give than I'm putting into the bike. I think it would be helpful to me to go out and ride the Columbia course every chance that I get and work keeping my darn hands off the brakes.

Average T2. Took a gel with me and I should've futzed with it during the run instead of during T2. Also put socks on. The farthest I've run without socks was 3.1 and I didn't want to risk having sore, blistered feet while running.

Grab gel and go. Maybe no socks next time.

Looked at my watch as I left T2 and knew I had to run hard to get under 3 hours. The run is my favorite part I was so happy to be off the bike and running. Saw SCamp07 at the beginning of the run taking pictures! This was a good run for me. Felt strong and I think I handled the hills well. My legs felt good. It definitely helps to live in Columbia and run through the hilly neighborhoods. Never flat, always going up or down. Saw Shelly on her way back as I was running into the neighborhood. Also saw Bill and Jenn out on the run course. :)

I knew I was going to make my time goal after I hit mile 4 and I was really excited to be so close to the finish. Started to really push the run, came down the final stretch, and heard Rick cheering for me and that gave me an extra boost at the end! Also, thanks to Rick for coaching me this year.

Nothing. I think I ran really well and my 10K time was 30ish seconds off from my 10K PR on a pancake flat course in DC. Thrilled with the run, actually :)

Crossed the finish line and Chrissie Wellington put the medal around my neck. Really exciting and an awesome way to finish. A volunteer took my arm, gave me a mylar blanket, and led me to the place where they removed my timing chip. Hung out with everyone post-race and watched the awards ceremony. Congrats to Dan and Shelly for winning awards!! :)


The bike.


The course was difficult, but I enjoyed this race. Close to home, well organized, and a great experience!! Next year I will rock the bike course.