Coming out of the water after the first lap was very confusing. I had a hard time getting back in my groove after I re-entered the water.

Swim harder. I laid off too much knowing how difficult the bike and run was going to be.

The back pockets in my bike jersey was full of powerbars. When I put my jersey on the pockets got tucked under the back of my neck hole. Some nice lady helped my fix it but added 20 or 30 seconds trying to fix it.

I would put my food in my pockets after I have my jersey on.

The bike was brutal. The road surface was very rough with potholes and patchwork. There was significant loose gravel and uneven road work. People were actually saying they had fixed it several years ago! I forgot my gels so I tried to eat a powerbar but couldn't finish it due to the sawdust texture. During the last climb, I couldn't get my gears right. Everytime I would stand to climb, my gear would slip. My chain slipped so I had to get off my bike and start over.

Buy a motorcycle! Remember my gels

No problem

Nothing

Terrible!!! This was hands down the worst run of my life...and I am a lousy runner. I thought the run was flat from miles 2 to 5. It turns out that it was not a half mile stretch that I would consider flat. Around mile 2.5 I was chaced by a CRAZY boxer. He was harmless but he still scared the crap out of me. By mile 5, I was done for!!

Hill repeats!!

Stretch


I did my first Olympic Tri early this summer and was very proud of my performance. I was not physcially prepared for this Tri as I could have been. Consequently, I was less mentally prepared. I forgot my gels and dwelled on this fact I was trying to choke down powerbars.


This was put on by great people for a great cause. However, I think few of them have experience in multisport. They started the sprint/olympic races at the same time. By the time, I finished the race most of the sprint athletes were gone. I know several other people were upset with the organization, particually the swim event. We spent 15 minutes after the race was supposed to start trying to figure out the swim course.
If someone is looking for a top notch Triathlon in Western PA, this race is not it. If someone is looking for a demanding physical challenge while helping a great cause, this is a great race.