Started at BOP, difficult to get into rhythm at first because there weren't any "openings" as we waded into the water. Breathing was calm, smooth and steady. Navigation was good until after I rounded last buoy as sun was rising and the glare off the water eliminated any visibility of the shoreline. I started drifting to the outside (right) and had to work my way back over to finish on the left side of the last buoy. For the little open water experience I had I felt pretty good about the swim overall.

Pick up the pace and try to site better rounding the last buoy.

No wetsuits to contend with at this race. Time was a little slow, but it was quite a distance from the swim to T1 and up a steep hill. My time was 6th in my AG. I made sure to eat my banana at this point since I hadn't had any breakfast and was finally starting to feel my appetite after the swim.

Hustle faster up the hill to T1 and no socks next time ought to shave some time off.

Glad to have had the chance to train on the actual race course. Very tough hills, but stayed on my bike the entire time - there were many walkers. Several people with flats. Very happy with my bike and the road tires.

Train harder on the bike for next year and perhaps upgrade to a road bike to shave off some time.

Overall pretty happy with T2. Did not clip shoes to pedals - first tri and didn't practice this. Traffic prevented me from getting in and out of the transition area faster.

Need to practice transitions more so I don't have to think - just do.

Really tried to watch my hydration and tried to stay cool during the run. Drank 1/2cup HEED at all 6 aid stations and took ice sponges to stay cool.

Pick up the pace more on the downhills, walk less. I think I could have pushed myself harder on the run, but it was very hot and humid. The last mile I got the chills a little bit, but they went away.

Walking, light stretching, WATER.


Inability to eat pre-race breakfast kind of freaked me out. I wasn't sure I was going to have enough energy to sustain me through the entire race, so I took it easy on the run. Probably would have been fine to push harder. Heat was a minor factor.


There could have been a few more lifeguards in the water - I didn't think there were enough, especially toward the end of the swim. Volunteers were AWESOME and cheerful and friendly and really, really great people. SO thankful to have HEED on the run course. Plus there was one extra guy on the run course who was handing out ice cubes - amazing how cool you can stay with an ice cube in each hand. That was really great. Could have been a few more volunteers in the massage tent - was not able to get one. Maybe some banners or other signage at the finish so you know where to go - I was kind of out of it and had a hard time finding the water stations, food (only bananas and oranges, but thats OK) and where to get my results and finishers t-shirt. I had to look up my time online (thank you for doing that!), because I forgot to look at the finish. Overall a fantastic first race experience - I will definitely be there next year!