I was really disappointed in my swim. I was in the first wave which I knew was not a good thing. Started out too fast and stayed with the pack (which was becoming slightly violent) until the turn. I switched to the sidestroke for a couple meters to catch my breath and collect myself. My goggles didn't fog up and my sighting was near perfect. All those silly drills in the pool payed off. I still don't like coming up the concrete boat ramp barefooted.

Not ignore all my training and knowledge and getting caught up in the excitement of the race. Race like you train.

While I couldn't slip in my shoes while putting on my helmet and glasses, I at least dried my feet on the towel at the same time. I took me a while to get clicked in but I was pedaling the whole time so I didn't really lose much time.

Practice multitasking for the next race.

I was so glad I came and ran the route beforehand because if this was the first time seeing the hills, I might have cried. Knowing what's next and (more importantly) knowing coming back is easier than going out kept me going... and going strong. This was a tough course and I couldn't be happier with how I did. Since this wasn't a USAT event, there was alot of drafting going on. I wasn't fortunate enough to find someone just slightly faster than me though.

Nothing really; speed will come with time.

I rode with [bare]feet on top of shoes and jumped off like I almost knew what I was doing. I then ran into the wrong row (nothing was numbered). I thought for half a second and then said screw it! I racked in an empty spot and dove underneath to get to my row. Wiped as much sand off my feet as I could (which was pretty ineffective) and put my shoes on. Unfortunately, the don't slide as easily without socks so the sole got bunched up in one shoe. I ran off and tried to wiggle it flat with my toes. Then I tried to ignore it. Finally I just stopped and fixed it.

Remember where I park. Maybe use some glue so the sole doesn't slide.

Unfortunately it was raining all last night so there was lots of mud and puddles to jump over. Really messes up your rhythm and you have to time your passing. The mileage wasn't marked so it was hard to gauge how you're doing. But other than the shoe issue I did really well. I kept reminding myself to slow down on the first half so I could make it through the second. I stopped once to fix my shoe and then I walked one of the aid stations but ran the rest of it. I was in a full on sprint for the last tenth and passed the two girls I'd been following for half the race. Seeing the finish line will make anybody smile like an idiot :)

As well as I did, I could've shaved a little more time off and sprinted earlier if I knew how far I had left.

Walked around a little and killed off a gatorade. Cheered the last of the racers coming in. Had a hot dog and watched the awards ceremony and raffle.


Pride: I thought I could keep pace in the swim with people who had been doing this far longer than I.


I thought it could've been a little better organized. The spectators should not be allowed in the transition area or race area. It makes finding where you're supposed to go next more difficult. The staff and volunteers were great and couldn't have been nicer. It's great the let us come into their community and do this.