Came out fast with front group, lost control of breathing, had to stop and breast stroke/tread water to get control. Frustrated/panicked as the front group pulled away. Did not find my pace until about 500-600 yards into the swim. Then felt okay, but still slow. Wondering if elevation was a factor at all (live at sea level, raced at ~3600ft).

Start slower, try to relax more, swim my "own" swim. Based on training at Greenlake in Seattle I had expected to get out of the water in ~25 minutes.

Was disappointed with my swim time! Some girl crossed me at a diagonal as she was going over to a spectator between the ramp and the bike racks. I bumped her, didn't expect it. Wasn't sure if it was my fault.

Get a better swim time, that would help me stay positive at T1.

Felt good on this portion and this portion of the race only. There were over 500 competitors plus the duathlon. It was ridiculous moving through the pack, particularly since I had such a poor swim time and was in the 4th wave. Blocking, drafting... too much of that on this tight course. There were a lot of inexperienced people (including me - this was my first event)... but many people just didn't have a clue as to respecting the lanes. Lots of people!!

Maybe slow down a bit and preserve energy for the run. Not sure.

Very crowded finish. The lady in front of me got off her bike a came to a complete stop for a few seconds. I almost ran into her; braked through an endo. Was able to pass on foot and get to T2 bike rack. Felt good on exit of T2 and didn't waste much time. Forgot to remove gloves. Drank two cups of water/elec at exit.

Not sure.

Felt hot and tired pretty much immediately - it was about 85 degrees(?). Was passed by a few people I had passed on the bike, but maintained okay. The first mile felt unexpectedly long and hot. Found my pace around mile 2, but could not muster the power to speed up to goal pace. I felt heavy.

Not sure - train more I suppose. The heat and elevation were different than training environment.

Cold shower and cold water, sitting, stretching (a bit), standing. Felt pretty f'dup for a good 10 minutes; not myself for another 20.


Not enough training or experience.


The logistics were a real pain. T1 is at the lake, T2 is at an elementary school 28 miles away, and the finish line is a mile or so from T2. Spectating the day before and scouting the route... and then getting setup required more coordination, effort, and $ than preferred. We had to bus, leave our gear unattended all night, stand in line to get our bags back, and walk back to the car after the race to get supplies. I think I would prefer single point of transition/finishing.