I picked up my packet on Friday night and the lady informed me I was in the first wave. Not sure why but I wasn't happy with that. I think being it was my first time I wanted to just watch how other did things etc... Turned out it wasn't a big deal and was probably better as there was less traffic. I was very suprised that I really wasn't nervous, I felt comfortable with the swim. Slow and steady was my plan and that is exactly what I did. I sighted really well, got through traffic good, and swam at a steady pace and did freestyle the entire time. My time was easily the best time I have ever swam but I heard some people say the course was a little short. I am taking it as a great performance :)

I sat towards the back of the pack. I didn't want to "get in anyone's way", but that put me with the swimmers that were worse than me and they were doing all kind of strokes and swimming in all directions! So maybe next time do wait so far back

I think that is pretty good for my first time. I had THE longest run to my bike than anyone from the swim.so I am sure that added a little time. I took a spot at one of the outside racks, again I didn't want to get in the way of the people who knew what they were doing!
I have to wear socks to the biggest time consumer was getting socks on, it went well just takes time. Put shoes on, helmet on, grabbed bike and took off!

Not sure I would do a whole lot different, maybe get there a little early to find a better transition spot. I don't feel like I struggled with anything or wasted big chunks of time

Based on my training I was hoping to ave 15mph. Clearly this meant I was going to get passed ALOT, and I did. OH well, slow and steady was the idea and I accomplised that and then some. I was actually over 15 so I was thrilled. I felt comfortable on the bike, I probably could have pushed harder but I am even slower/weaker on the run than I am in the water and on the bike (believe it or not) so I wanted to leave a little something. For some reason I said Hi, Good Morning, Thank you to every cop and volunteer. All the speed demons just would fly by them and they were all so nice and lit up when they were acknowledged and they were doing a great job. Lets be honest, with as slow as I am I have the time! Guess it made me feel a little better as well.
With about 1 mile to go I finally passed another biker, didn't think I would pass anyone all day and turns out it was THE ONLY ONE I did pass!!!

Just more time in the saddle (be conditioned better) but for this race, nothing, I was pleased with the bike from my mount to dismount.

Again I think it was just a very solid transition. I did grab some water and pour it on my head so maybe could have cut 10 seconds, but I was happy.

Nothing

This is where my good strong race faced reality. My overall goal time was 2 hours. I was well a head of that pace coming into the run, however I knew the run was going to be a struggle for me no matter what I did on the swim and bike. I just dont like to run, its hard on my legs (but that is getting better due to the fact I have dropped 17lbs since I started training). I never have been good at it and its just a struggle. this was no different. I just couldn't settle into a good pace with my breathing and it was getting really hot. I ended up walking more than I wanted but kept the "breaks" to only about a min each time. I have to say the best part of the run was the other runners. There were probably a dozen other runners that were "cheering" me on, telling me I was looking good and to keep pushing. I was suprised how much that helped, and how many runners said it. It was amazing and after I made the turn and saw others like me I said the same things to them and I hope it helped them as well. Finally the finishig line was in sight and I really had a strong kick in, again it was great to have everyone cheering you in, just so much different than I have expierenced in other sports!

Just keep working on the run, it will come

Not much I was pretty spent, my family was great and came out to cheer me on, so nice having then there. hung out with them and talked to a few other racers.


training. I need to and will train more and better. That being said, I smoked my goal of 2hrs by about 10 mins and I am still in shock. I really thought 2 hours was going to be hard, so I am extremley happy with my results.
Thanks to everyone here on BT for all the help, advice, suggestions, it has helped so much!