First OWS with other people. Didn't want to wade, so stood neck deep about 20 yards back until 15 seconds to go and started swimming. Thought it would be a lot worse swimming with other people, but the group was pretty spread out. Bumped into a few, including a couple of guys that seemed to be swimming perpendicular to the course! Couldn't managed alternate side breathing, and felt more comfortable just breathing on the right side. About 200 meters in, get into a smooth stroke and breathing. Siting was pretty easy since I just pretty much followed the group and looked up every so often to site the bouy. Nice and big and easy to see. I was happy with how it went.

Focus my workouts on improving my speed. Would like to be under 2 mins/100.

First transition in the heat of the battle. Found my bike pretty easily. Sat down to put on socks and shoes. Bike jersey was stuck. I was surprised it took me that long. The run with the bike seemed loooong.

I wanted to wear my Naval Academy jersey. Cost me extra time putting it on, but it was worth it to hear a few "Go Navy!s"

Being on the old heavy Raleigh, wanted to ride at least 16.5 mph, with a stretch of 18mph, in order to finish in less than 90 minutes overall. Struggled with clipping in (in too much of a hurry), but started off at a good clip. Took a Gu. Felt good to do some passing, but of course, was passed a lot. Did well on the flats, but a little worse on the hills. Seemed a little windy at times when I was out there. Drank the full accelerade on the ride.

Really, really happy with my ride. Faster than my goal. Getting the Lemond to fit better or a new bike. Maybe went a little too hard and that affected my run.

The finish came up quickly. Jumped off too soon.

Transition went smoothly.

Not sure. just slow I guess.

I just felt bad the whole time. Had to walk a little and this probably pushed me over my 90 minute goal. I could never get into a cadence that felt good. Struggled the whole way, and never felt comfortable. Was very diaappointed in my time, but must keep things in perspective. 5 months ago, I didn't run. Today, I completed a tri!

Drink more, and real coffee in the morning. Maybe take a gu at the beginning of the run. Stretch in transition?

Stretched, walked around. Had water, pretzel, some pasta/meatballs.


The day before. Being stranded on I-95 in the heat and humidity, and missing lunch. Lack of coffee. Should have had some protein in the morning, and probably taken a Gu before the run.


This is my first tri - Get off the couch in January and started walking, began running with 4 x 2 minute run (struggle) and losing 60 pounds in order to complete a tri before I turned 50.

Pre-race week was not good. Had bike issues so, had to switch back to my '86 Raleigh Technium which I had not ridden for several weeks. Went to the LBS to pick up a bike for my son who was visiting from California. About an hour away from home, car breaks down about a mile from the entrance to the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Whew! Spent an hour an half on the side of the road waiting for the tow truck and my wife to rescue. I think standing on the side of the road and missing lunch played a factor. This was a great first tri for me. My oldest son came from California and did the Olympic. He was the inspiration for me to want to do this. I really enjoyed watching him race, and thought the triathlets were really nice people, so I wanted to do this someday too. My middle son did his first tri, also the Olympic. Was so impressed by him. He kicked ass in the swim, rode his butt off on a borrowed 1982 bike with a ripped seat. And, he almost placed in his age group. Awesome! It was really cool to do this with them. We will all do it again some day.