First 200m or so were pretty horrible. Lots of thrashing about. Instead of tapping my toes, one lady kept grabbing my legs. I went to let her pass and she said she didn't want to. I couldn't really swim with someone holding my legs so I just sat there and made her pass. Things were better after that.

One of the volunteers stopped me to let someone pass but the person behind me was really far behind so I had to sit there and wait quite awhile. Not sure what that was all about.

Get it together earlier in the swim.

A couple of months ago I was certain I would be the last person out of the pool. Actually there were still 3 people left in the pool when I left. And even if I *had* been the last I guess it wouldn't be the end of the world.

My transition was outside and it was really cold. I fumbled for my stuff in my garbage bag. I put on a jacket, socks, and shoes. Grabbed my helmet and my sunglasses. Putting on my socks and shoes was more difficult then I expected.

It probably would have helped if I had known we were allowed to put our transition indoors. Oh well. Being outdoors motivated me to have a speedy transition I suppose.

I was one of the few in shorts. Most people had put on tights. I was chilly at first but my legs actually weren't that cold later on.

I tried to be conservative on the bike. I should have pushed myself more. Passed a couple of folks...got passed by lots of people. I was kind of surprised at how many people had aero bars.

Took it slow on the corners.



Push harder on the bike. I went way too slow.

By the time I got off the bike I realized my feet were wet and frozen. I didn't really notice how cold they were when I was riding but I sure noticed as soon as I dismounted.

Noticed a bloody wound on my left leg. Where the heck did that come from?? Not sure. I didn't feel a thing. Makes me look tough I guess.

Even though I was wearing gloves my fingers were frozen and getting my helmet off proved to be challenging.

I brought a change of socks but I realized it didn't matter much being outside, the new ones would get wet anyway. So I just put on my running shoes and headed out.

Not have wet socks...?

My feet were frozen for the first 2K or so. After that they finally started to get some feeling back in them.

Had to go up a big muddy hill. Not fun.

By about 4K I had a bad side stitch. Stuck it out, concentrated on breathing, got through it.

I didn't have any water at the aid station. I was thirsty, but I really had to go to the washroom by that point. I'm not hardcore enough to pee on my bike. Thankfully.

Breathe properly and not get a side stitch.

Not much. Stood around kind of bewildered. It was my first tri and the experience was a bit overwhelming. Started to tear up...I used to be 50 lbs heavier and was always the fat kid growing up that was teased in gym class. I always assumed that I hated exercising/sports/anything athletic. I never thought I would be able to do something like that. I think people thought I was crying because I was in pain or something but really it was just happiness. Okay that sounds mushy.

Afterward I met some really nice BT folks. Met up with some of the ladies from my swim lane, chatted for awhile. Got in my car and drove the 2.5 hours back home. Probably should have stretched before I got in the car. Oops.


The weather, physical ability...

Honestly I think I did alright considering it was my first tri, the horrible weather, and the fact that I've done little run training lately due to having a bummed foot for a month.


I really enjoyed this race. And I think I will always remember how it snowed for my first tri.