This was my worst swim since my first race - it seemed to take forever to reach the first buoy. The surf wasn't that bad, but I couldn't sight for anything and couldn't get my breathing right until turning past the last buoy on the way in. I guess the lack of swimming over the last several months mattered. I was VERY happy to get out of the water!

Wasted a little time trying to get the sunscreen to spray out (the nozzle wasn't aligned). finally gave up

Make sure the spray sunscreen nozzle is lined up before the race.

Didn't race hard because I didn't want to fade at the end. There was some pretty strong headwind for part of the way. Took it at a nice steady pace. Toward the end I realized I didn't have my second GU - momentarily stunned, but didn't panic.

Stash some GU on the bike, plus leave an extra at transition

Wasted more time trying to get the sunscreen to work - it was plenty sunny and hot by now - but had to give up again

Ran very relaxed, took it easy up the hill from transition. Drank at every opportunity. Didn't know my pace until I saw the 2 mile marker and was pleasantly surprised to see that I was keeping up with a 10 min pace (thought I was going much slower).

Freaked out a little on the swim, fiddling with the sunscreen, hot, too light on the training


There is no water at the transition area, and it's a LONG hike up to the finish area. Remember to bring plenty of extra water before the race.