This segment was last, after the bike. Struggled to get my goggles on. Just uncoordinated. Really winded when I got into the pool. Had a hard time getting my gear on. Just not coordinated. Really noticed the altitude. Worst time breathing I can remember. Made 4 lengths, then grabbed the wall. Had to take a few breaths to make it on. Stopped 2 more times at the wall. Did freestyle all the way, and form was good. Just couldn't breathe.

Do it first!

Was transition from run to bike. Made it easily. Ran with bike and mounted OK.

Nothing

One of the most fun courses I've biked. Wished it had been longer. Volunteers were great at directing and keeping traffic under control.

Nothing

Got to my spot and someone had racked their bike in my rack. There were no spots open. I was furious. Murray was there, so I gave him my bike, sat down and took off my shoes. Was pretty miffed about it.

Come up with a contingency plan for if my spot was taken.

Tried to hold back a little. Couldn't follow HR data, but HR went down to 149 on walks. 1:1 pattern was better.

Try to hold back at the beginning. Run is definitely my weak area. Need to concentrate on run training with speed work.

Walked to transition and picked up my bike off the ground. Now my spot was open on the rack. Drank some Heed and 1/4 a dehydrated bagel. Felt pretty good.


Altitude! Santa Fe is at 7000 feet. I had a higher heart rate for perceived level of exertion. My max was 181 overall.


This is a relatively new, reverse order tri. It is fun to do, but hard to compare to other races due to the order. Everyone struggled in the swim, according to spectators. The bike course is hilly, some short rollers, some slow, steady climbs. None are really hard. The pool is beautiful, and felt refreshing when I got in. There were plenty of volunteers and plenty of lifeguards. My sister-in-law DNF'd, and the policeman and volunteers were so sweet to her, getting her off the course.

Food was plenty, even at the end of the race. The T-shirt was cool with a kokopelli on it. Had to love it.

Was fun doing race with Richard, Ashley, James, Peggy , and Elizabeth. Peggy and Liz dnf'd on the bike. The altitude and hills got to them.

There were a couple of area that could be improved. The bike course had an intersection where the bikers coming out of transition, and those finishing cross paths. Elizabeth nearly crashed here. It's a really poor design, and it's only a matter of time before someone really gets hurt here. I would recommend they change the course here; it could easily be done. An accident could shut this new tri down, and I'd hate to see that.