I paniced during the swim and almost quit. It wasn't the open water like a lot of people say, it was because it was hard work, I was struggling and I felt disoriented. My goggles fogged right away and I couldn't tell where I was going. It was just tough. I did a lot of backstroking and just forced myself to keep going.

1) More longer distance swims
2) Open water swimming in groups
3) Spit or dish soap in the goggles
4) More time in the water

Took my time - a brisk walk out of the water that changed into a jog when I got my wits about me. I went slow deliberately. This was my first tri and first transition so I wanted to make sure I didn't do anything dumb. Mission accomplished, slowly

Go a little quicker
Try to go sockless
Flying mounts with shoes on the bike.

I felt slow coming out of the water - it took me a long time to shake off the swim and then I kept telling myself not to blow myself out for the run.

1) Be a little more agressive
2) More time in the saddle

Nothing big here - in, change shoes and out.

Run the bike in a little quicker
Go sockless

This was my area. I walked some, but kept a decent pace. I eat and drink too much on the run. I run this distance regularly for my workout without water, but when I get to a race, I drink at every stop.

Have an extra gel on the bike in prep for the run
Drink less and eat less on the run.
Push through and walk less

Wandered around finish line extravaganza - just tried to keep walking slowly


It was much more organized than I thought it would be. I expected chaos, but mostly everything went off without a hitch. Sure there were little problems (they need more organization on swim start), but it was fun and well run.