I started great nice and smooth felt strong for about 200 meters then I'm not sure what happened. It felt like I couldn't get my breath, I started to hyperventilate and got nauseous. went to my back to get my breath.I never got comfortable again I'd swim freestyle for about 100 meters and then I'd zigg zagg the course backstroke. very frustrating because although my logs don't show it I swam a lot in practice. I thought this was my strongest dicipline. stopped to use the porta pot befor I went to my bike.

More ows and with my tri suit and swim cap on. this was all mental.

T1 was figured into the bike so I'm not sure of the time. It felt like I was fairly quick except when I had to pose for the wife and camera. I got a little short with her. Sorry Babe

This is by far the worse of the disciplines for me in training. I haven't ridden much at all since I was a kid. That being said I really enjoyed the ride. I was so far back from the swim I was alone for teh first 4 miles. another rider had a flat and didn't have a pump. My race was no longer for time just survival so I stopped and tried to help. unfortunately his spare had a hole in it also so I couldn't help. At about mile 7 I saw another cyclist and set my sights on him. I was having fun Thanking every cop and volunteer I saw. I was joking with them asking if they still thought I had a chance of winning. I caught and passed the rider. that felt good. Some kids were out cheering in a couple of spots I made sure I thanked everyone I saw.I passed another rider about 2 miles out of town. I was feeling pretty good about then. I had to fight to transition. bystanders were standing on the course between the dismount line and the transition entrance.

Bike more. I think I could have pushed more in the beginning but I was still upset from the swim.

This went well. dropped my helmet grabbed some water. Kissed Carly for luck again.

nothing

I started shuffling along at my normal pace and I was doing pretty well.
I was telling everyone on the return trip that they were looking good almost there. Most of them were trying to motivate me too so it was nice.at about mile 2 I started cramping and I got a stitch in my right side but I knew if I walked or stopped I wouldn't start again. I slowed a little and concentrated on exhaling until the side stitch went away. I had the kids at the water stations throw water on me as I passed. They enjoyed it and it made me feel good for about a 10th of a mile (every little bit helps). I finally made it back to the park and the volunteers were gone? I didn't know where to turn to get to the finish. I asked a lady in the parking lot and she pointed me in the right direction. every thing was marked with orange cones, but for some reason there were cones going across the entrance to the finish so it looked like you weren't supposed to go that way.

get there early enough to scope out the entrances and exits.
run more

at the finish there were people to take the timing chip and hand out water.
Carly was waiting for me(I'm glad she's so suportive)drank water talked to Jared and Ryan. walked up the hill 3/4 of a mile to the truck. my legs cramped on the run so I had to shorten my stride. It felt good to stretch out walking. Changed and took Carly to lunch before I had to go to work.


lack of training. especially ows. I got a couple of them in and I thought I trained enough, but live and learn.


This being my first race I really don't have anything to compare it to, but I thought it was a little unorganized. A pre race meeting would have helped some and better marking of the bike finish to T2 and the run finish.
overall I had fun. I'll probably run this race again next year but I'll be better prepared.