The swim was chaotic. I passed at least 7 swimmers and never got passed. By the time I got to the last length I couldn't believe it went that fast. I that feeling can be attributed to being distracted so much passing everyone.

Not much - it went pretty well. Maybe try to control my breathing more.

N/A - T1 time was included in bike time.

This was my first triathlon and I made a number of newbie mistakes - the most egregious being that I couldn't find my bike and lost 15 seconds looking for it. Also, I used socks, had trouble putting my shirt on while wet, had laced bike shoes, didn't have elastic shoelaces for my running shoes... you get the picture.

Use a balloon to help me spot my bike. Get triathlon bike shoes, elastic shoelaces, a tri top (and wear it while swimming).

Again, T1 time was included in this time figure. I went out pretty hard, passed at least 6 other racers and wasn't passed.

Get aerobars.

N/A - time was included in run. T2 went fairly smoothly despite not having elastic shoelaces.

elastic shoelaces

Felt pretty good and was able to sprint hard toward the end. No cramping during the race despite feeling calf cramps during most of my bricks during training. I attribute that to drinking lots of HEED before the race and topping off a bit during the bike.

Try to go out faster *AND* sprint at the end.

They did a good job running this race. I'm sure it's hard given most people are newbies - that's the stated purpose of the race.

This was my first triathlon and it felt really great to have placed in my age group.