Poor start as veered off-course looking at person to my left. Once I sighted, I swam across him back on course. Got relaxed around second marker. Tried to stand-up too soon at exit.

Sight sooner and stay on course. Swim until hands touch bottom. Practice open water swims and sighting.

Tougher than I thought to get my breath after swim. Got stuck getting shirt on - seemed like a long time, but likely was just mental. Sat to get shoes on and felt tightness in legs.

Try and do a swim/bike brick workout. Consider getting a tri-shirt I can swim/bike/run in.

Felt good on bike once settled down. Could have gone harder throughout the course. Wish I would have practiced riding alone before the race. Felt strong in breathing and in legs throughout. Wish I would have gotten the computer working because I could then target a pace more easily.

On this course, go harder. Practice riding alone a couple times before a race to learn how to pace myself - having computer up and running might help this.

Better transition than I expected. Had long run to last rack. Got helmet unsnaped and shirt unziped along the way. Running shoes were not loosened before race, so had to adjust them.

Have shoes ready to go - ready to tie.

Felt good on the run and wish I would have tried to pick up the tempo. Could have tried this at the 1 mile mark, once settled in - and then again at the 2 mile mark. Heat was coming on by the time I got to the run. Narrow path for most of the course did not leave a lot of room for passing.

Go harder at a couple points to see how I could handle it. Start my kick sooner.

Went through finish. Hosed off to cool down. Got a cup of water.


Let's list the top 4 things, in order of race:
1. Sighting on swim
2. Transition to bike / felt winded / got twisted up
3. Pacing on bike (need to practice alone or with computer)
4. Trust myself to run harder and not break/cramp


First triathlon was a good experience. I liked the swim course and the bike course. The run course was fine in terms of being cross-country style, but could have been wider to allow for easier passing, particularly given the uneven surface. Parking at the race was bad. Finding a good venue is a tough job, given all the factors to consider.