First real open water swim not in a lake. Was a real humbling experience being knocked around by the waves and then trying to not get hit by everyone that was having just as many problems. Wetsuit was a bad idea, didn't really fit and looking back it wasn't necessary for me. I would have been a lot faster in the water without it, more so out of comfort because water kept getting trapped on my back and each wave would send more water through my kneck line.

I also decided to start right in the middle of the front line of guys. This was a bad idea because I couldn't get out fast enough because of the waves, so this meant everyone ended up on top of me. Next swim I plan on starting on the outside to make a line to the first buoy on my own.

Not wear the wetsuit and start off to one of the sides.

Was a great transition. Had no problem getting wetsuit off. Put bike shoes on in transition with no socks and ran to mount line. Practiced the day before running and jumping on the bike plenty of times, so this worked out well.

I don't see a need to keep shoes clipped into bike.

Nothing.

Good ride, still have a lot to learn about racing on the bike. Don't think I got my HR too high but legs just aren't strong enough to push much faster. Just need more time on the bike.

Climbing the bridge was something new! Haven't ridden over any hills so far in the minimal training I've done!

Got held up in T2 because the peoples bikes around my transition area were all on top of my stuff. Had to shove the bike into an "open" spot and then because of this I had a lot of trouble getting to my running shoes and race bib. Was really frustrated at this point.

Finish the bike faster!

Very nice run! Ran around the boardwalk, which was a really nice change of scenery for me and then through the marina across the road.

I had no expectations for this run except to finish, I have not run in 4 months. So looking at the pace, I am really happy with how I did. Groin and ab were pretty tight most of the run but it was not unbearable.

Right off the bike I looked at the Garmin and saw my pace was 6:15 for the first .5 mile and decided I prob couldn't hold that so backed off. Its pretty encouraging to know I can run that fast off the bike, just need to build up my base so I can hold it for a hole race.

Had an awesome finish! Had to outsprint another guy in my age group the last 100 yards, ended up beating him by .3 seconds!

Train more.

Drink some beer and eat pizza!


Not enough training.


I was going to rate a 4 because of the wave conditions but OUM had no control over this. I felt the race was very organized, clean and well manned with volunteers.