First time competing in open water. Coming from pool swimming where you usually keep your head down for orientation was a problem, plus bumping into swimmers.

Need to practice this more in open water. In preparation I only swam in pool (around 14 mins for 30 lanes). Distance is not an issue. I also need to work on technique, I am sure I am doing a million things wrong when swimming.

Trouble getting socks on, because feet were wet dirty. Ditched socks, didn't seem to matter.

Have towel ready to dry feet.

Bike ride was very smooth. First time on new road bike (prior events I used a mountain/hybrid). Was able to make up a time I lost in the water.

Need to practice the bike/run transition a lot more.

Don't have special clip on bike shoes. Running shoes were already on

Don't think I would change anything.

Had massive cramping problems in my upper hamstrings on both legs, which severely hampered my pace. I felt this the moment I got off the bike. I am not sure what caused this. Possibly a combination of new seating position on race bike and/or insufficient nutrition.
Anyway, cramps were quite painful. All in all the run was ok considering that.

Definitely need to repeat the condition and determine it's cause(s) in order to remedy.

None..walking around


Painful cramps in upper hamstrings.


Will definitely do this race again.