Probably the longest I've swam in open water. I had to do a mix of crawl stroke and breast stroke, but I felt comfortable. Life guards were everywhere so I wasn't worried about drowning in my first triathlon.

Become a better swimmer.

I was anxious to get out of the water so I sprinted to the transition (with a quick hop into the kiddie pool to rinse off my feet).

I rested momentarily in the transition. Took down an energy gel and some water. Since it was my first triathlon, that was fine. Still got in and out quickly.

Good course. Police did a great job of keeping cars off the roads. Roads were all quite smooth. I was very glad I caught my brother, but he stayed with me.

Not let anyone pass me.

Again, I took a little bit of rest in the transition for an energy gel and some water. I also had to sit down to put on my socks and running shoes. On his way out, my brother reminded me not to forget my number belt. Whoops, I forgot my number belt anyway.

Not forget my number belt. Don't sit down to put on shoes. Have any energy gels and water while on the bike.

Halfway up the mile long hill I realized I forgot my number belt and panic set in. I read some horror stories about people being disqualified for not having their number. I didn't want to go through all the effort for it to not count for anything, so I ran back a block to ask an official if I needed the number. She didn't think it mattered. I ended up running 2 extra blocks because of my stupid mistake. Lost to my brother by 7 seconds.

Not forget my number belt.

Didn't do much except talk to people and walk around.


Not knowing my limits. Not knowing how much I could push myself while still leaving gas in the tank for all events.


From the time I picked up my race packet to the start of the race I felt like I was well informed and directed toward what to do and where to go. Great course and I look forward to doing it again. I hope I make the Chaska tri and annual tradition and maybe some day I'll beat my brother.