I seriously underestimated the swim situation. I've been training in a 20 yard pool, and have been relying way too much on those little rests at the end of each lap while I do an open turn. This was a 25 yard pool, which shouldn't have made that much of a difference, but wow! Felt like each lap would never end. Started to panic a little bit, and lost any kind of kicking rhythm. The guy sharing the lane with me lapped me about 2/3 of the way through, and I think I started freaking out about everyone seeming to be faster than me, all those negative thoughts about "what am I doing here, I'm out of my league", etc). Struggled through, finished the thing. I was one of the last ones in my wave to get out, but I made it.

Work harder on my swim training. Maybe learn flip turns to keep from relying on resting at the wall. Relax, don't worry about what other people are doing.

Climbed out of the pool and stumbled, in a bit of a daze, out of the pool and into the 45 degree pouring rain. I had never done a swim/bike brick, and was surprised by how weak my legs felt. Tried to relax and be deliberate in getting everything on, then started running out with the bike. Got to the mount line, clipped in first pedal no problem, got some speed, clipped in the other one (so I thought), and started cranking, only to have my right foot pop right back out. Took multiple attempts to get it back in right. I think part of my problem was that I just wasn't real focused at that point, and had my shoe too far back on the pedal to engage.

Swim/bike bricks.

Felt good once I got the first few miles in. I passed 9 people on the course, and was only passed once. The guy who passed me got about 50 yards ahead, but then totally missed a turn and kept going straight, even though a volunteer was clearly yelling and pointing. I wonder how long it took him to figure it out. My hands and feet were freezing and numb. It was pouring rain and very windy. Good times!

Get some weatherproof biking gloves!

The shoes went on great - I just got some of those quick laces, which worked beautifully. On the other hand, my hands were so numb that I couldn't unbuckle my helmet! I managed to pry the strap over my chin and kind of peel the helmet off. Grabbed my race belt, hat, and away we go!

Not lose feeling in my extremities. :(

Couldn't feel my feet for the first mile or so, but just kept the legs pumping. Started to get into a rhythm pretty quickly. Passed a dozen or so runners, was only passed once. Even passed the guy who had shared the swimming lane with me :). Felt pretty strong on the run, all things considered. Started smiling and almost laughing outloud toward the end, realizing that I was about to complete my first tri. My 5k PR is 20:20, so I have to say I'm pretty happy with the run effort. Had gas for a final push through the finish area, and crossed the line as a triathlete!

Nothing. The run was the best part of my day.

More of a "trying to warm up" description. Went inside, got some dry clothes on.


Weather was a big factor, followed by inexperience.


The volunteers were great, really enthusiastic, event though they had been standing out in very cold and very wet conditions all day.

I think I will remember this day for the rest of my life. This sport is awesome, and I am so unbelievably hooked. I have a lot of work to do, but feel even more motivated to do that work now. Thanks to all the BT people for support and encouragement!