I started out having a great swim. I was siting well and feeling strong, and was drafting off of people consistently. Right before I rounded the bouy to turn towards the swim exit, someone who had been drafting off of me grabbed me and pulled - I shook it off, but I got discombobulated. I rounded the bouy... and then just kept on turning. I started swimming towards the next bouy, only to find that I was going back the way I had come instead of heading towards the exit. I cut the corner and started swimming hard for the main pack/swim exit, but I lost at least 3-5 minutes on my swim time. Total bummer.

Take a few seconds to get situated when I rounded that bouy. It would have taken a lot less off my swim time than swimming the wrong way did.

T1 went OK. I was a bit discombobulated coming out of the water, so I didn't run that hard into transition. Once I was at my bike though, I made the transition quickly.

Get from the water to my bike faster. Get my arms out of the wetsuit quicker.

This is a hard bike course, and one you have to be really patient with. In my opinion, the hardest sections are in the first 18-20 miles, which are full of short, steep uphills. I had ridden the course once before, so I was prepared for it. I took it easier in the beginning, and started pushing it more on the long uphill that starts at mile 23. I passed a lot of people on the uphill. I'm not a particularly strong/fast cyclist, so for me this was a good showing. It was also a great time! For probably the first time ever in a race, I thorougly enjoyed the ride. It's a gorgeous course, and, except for one section when headwinds magically appeared out of nowhere, conditions were ideal.

I would probably try to drink a little more water in the last 5-6 miles. I didn't quite realize how hot and sunny it was getting.

This was a slow transition for me. A guy in transition helped me out, but I think it actually threw me off my game a little. But it was nice of him, and I remembered to spray some sunscreen on, and I didn't run out of transition with my helmet on, so all things considered I'm not too upset

Be more focused. Remember that I can get focused and adjust in the first few hundred meters of the run; I don't have to do it in transition.

I ran pretty much the entire course other than the aid stations, which was a victory for me. I've never seen so many people walking on a course. My legs were screaming pretty much the whole time. The aid stations were plentiful and well stocked, and the volunteers were awesome. I enjoyed the run, despite the pain. For some reason, Missy Elliott's "Shake Your Pom Pom" kept going through my head. I am very grateful that I didn't just randomly bust out with "Lauren's got a big ol' donkey, oh yeah!' in front of other people.

I wish I could have upped the intensity of my running, especially on the downhills. And I dawdled too much at the aid stations. I needed to up my run cadence so I could go a little faster. Even with the hills, 12-minute miles are pretty slow for me. Going to have to practice running off the bike with intesnity.

Congratulated all my friends, hung out with my boyfriend, stretched a little.


Lack of directional sense on the swim, perhaps a lack of leg strength for the run.


This is a great race - really well run and a joy to participate in. The course is gorgeous and the amenities top notch. They put your name on your transition spot! The only thing I really wish they'd change about this race is the post-race food. After 7 hours of consuming gels and electrolyte drinks while exercising, the last thing I want is mac and cheese and a burger - or really any hot, prepared food. I was longing for some bread or bagels and peanut butter to settle my stomach.