First OWS without a wetsuit. I can easily swim this distance in the pool. I positioned myself in the back outside, as my confidence level was not high. We waded out a little and then took off. I was immediatly swimming right over people and bouncing around. Could not get clear of folks to clear water. This ended up throwing me off my game very badly! Ended doing some breast stroke to the first buoy. When I returned to the freestyle, it felt as if my lets were dropping quite a bit. I was able to get back freestyle after one more short stint of breast stroke. The difference between OWS with and without wetsuit is much bigger than I imagined. But hey, I survived and didn't drown!

More OWS, more time in the pool. Also, have confidence in my swimming, start closer to the front to stay out of so much of the washing machine action. Get some coaching on OWS!

Socks are my nemisis! Took forever to get them on. This was a long transition too.

Learn to ride sockless. Set up shoes on the bike with rubberbands. Practice this!

Took awhile to get calmed down from swim. Was able to find the a better groove by 3rd mile. Tried to keep a steady pace. Got passed by some people from the wave behind me, man some of them had sweet rides! Made it to first turnaround which was up a little incline and was starting to get into a good rythm. Starting working down my rear cassette. I was in the lowest gear and thought, dang, this is easy. Looked down and saw that I was in the middle ring on the front - DANG! That was stupid. Shifted to big ring and started to make up some time!

Check front ring and back ring for gearing next time. I am an imbecile! I probably could have shaved off a couple minutes if I had been set up right. Overall, still happy knocking on the door of 18 mph. That is a step up from the 16 I have been averaging.

No real comments about T2. I dismounted at the red line and half walked / half jogged to my rack. Hung the bike, and changed in to shoes.

Be better shape in order to run through transition. Practice dismount while leaving shoes on the bike. Put speed laces in my shoes.

I spun up the cadence on the end of the bike like I think I am supposed to. I ran about 75-80% of the course, walking in between. I was hot. I am not sure if wearing a cap helps me or hurts me in the heat management process. I felt some twinging in the shins and ankles and had quick bout of side stitch, but worked through them. Tried to finish strong.

The Dr. prescribes more running! Continue to train on the run every other day.

Walked and stretched. Had a cookie. Returned the birthday phone calls that came in while I was out on the course.


Lack of training.


I will do this race again. As a matter of fact, there is another event at the exact same venue in July. I will probably do it to.