I know I'm not a strong swimmer, so really my expectation for this was around a 2:00 pace, not get swam over, and not panic. Well, I accomplished most of that. I now think I could have put in a better effort, but this was only my second race and the first included a panic attack, so I just wanted to do my own thing and get it out of the way. That I did. However, not totally intentionally, I took the bouy's pretty wide left, which kept me out of traffic, but it also reduced my chances of finding someone to draft off, and I probably went a fair bit further than I needed. This was my fastest long swim ever, though, so I really can't complain too much.

Push my limits a little more. I was very comfortable during the swim and wasn't really "racing". I'd also like to find someone to draft off next time.

Again, compared to my almost 10 minute first effort at Columbia, this was blazing fast. I think I just need practice. I was also in the farthest back corner from the bike in/out and am not fast running with my bike, so it was quite a trek to get out in my bike shoes.

Not much. Just practice. The process went ok, I just need to do it faster! Someday I'll learn to put my shoes on while riding.

Again, I was being conservative unnecessarily. When there was no/tail wind, I should have pushed it MUCH harder. My goal was to average above 16mph, because I'd ridden the course over Memorial Day weekend, and did a 3:31. There is no doubt you should be able to race faster, right?? I just didn't bank enough speed in the beginning to make up for the drop when I started going against the wind around mile 30. Oh well. Always a learning experience.

I drank about 2.5 bottles of G-ade and took about 3 gels. I also had a granola bar around half way. For the most part I was on my own during the ride, but would occasionally get passed by boluses (boli?) of each faster age group behind me. Many of the singles that passed me were very friendly and encouraging. Triathletes are very nice in general. :-) I only passed 9 people, but I tried to do the same. I was so happy when J passed me around mile 42 because I knew that his bike was working just fine and he was about on his expected pace.

Push harder in the beginning when there was no wind.

Maybe me feet were swollen, or it was the wet socks or something, but I could not get my feet into my running shoes to save myself. I'm sure it looked pretty funny, but it was really frustrating. I have speed laces and have never had an issue before. Everything else went fine.

Maybe loosen up the speed laces? Not really sure.

I felt really good going into the run. I'm not fast, but I have by far the most experience running, so I was happy to get to the run. They say your run pace should be the same as a stand-alone marathon, so I was estimating a pace of around 11:27. Since starting tri training though, my running has really improved, so I just went with what felt good. I started around a pace of 10:15, and slowed to a 11:21 by the turn-around. At that point though, I knew I was going to be fine, and started pushing it a little more and by mile 11 was back to a 10:20 pace...almost a mirror image of the first half.

My goal had been to walk as little as possible, but only a little at each aid station at the maximum. Mission accomplished! I walked for the first time at mile 4, and only once between 9.5 and the finish. I took ice and either water or g-ade at each water station, and took to pouring some of the cold water on my head/neck, and putting a couple of ice cubes down the front and back of my shirt. I think that really helped me from overheating.

I saw J on his way back, about 8 for him, 5ish for me. I got a smooch, which always makes me feel better. I also had the best friends ever come to watch, and they saw me around miles 1, 2, 11, and the finish. It's great to have your own cheering section. I was also SOOO excited at mile 12 when they had one of my favorite liquids: non-fizzy Sprite. Obviously I'd never practiced with it, but I was a mile from the finish, so eh, whatever makes me happy. I finished strong, and came in more than 10 minutes faster than I'd guessed. Yea!

Not really much of anything. I was pretty happy with my run. I don't really know that I needed the 6 walk breaks between 5.5 and 9.5. Maybe my goal next time should be walking less than every OTHER aid station.

I located J and my friends and just wandered around a little bit, drinking and eventually getting some food. Mentor Dave found us and I was pleased to tell him I made it without drowning or suffering. Eventually we packed up transition and drove back to the hotel to shower and then go out to dinner with my friends. That was followed by an entire bottle of Sangiria (with apples, so it's healthy) in the hotel. :-)


Basically inexperience. I didn't want to bonk or crash or whatever, so I was conservative in the beginning. I trained well and am pleased with my race overall.


It's only my second tri ever and my first 70.3, but this one seemed well run. I know there were some complaints from the fast people who started behind me about having to pass slower people like me, and complaints from the slower waves behind me that it was very lonely. I guess there's no perfect situation. The volunteers were good and the aid stations well stocked. I think it was a great race and would recommend it and strongly consider doing it again.