I got off to a good start, concentrating on my breath and stroke. About 50 yards in, I realized I was veering off course. That made me panic a bit and I started kicking crazily, which threw off my rythm and slowed me down. I mentally re-grouped as I went around the bouy and got back in sync with my stroke. I realized I was going to have to pass someone, and about the same time I swallowed a huge gulp of water. I didn't panic (yeah), sighted the hole of arms and limbs I was going to slip through and made my move - success!

More OWS practice, with focused work on sighting where I'm going.

I was a little surprised at how far I had to run (or in my case, walk fast) for the transition. I was worried about sandy feet, but the grass swept all the sand off. Unfortunately, the extra-long grass had been cut the day before and my feet were coated with grass. Thank goodness I brought a towel. I was happy I got in my pedal straps fairly quickly.

I started out the bike ride pretty good. Then I realized my computer wasn't seated right and I had no idea how fast I was going. I fiddled with it for about 1/2 mile and finally got it seated correctly and working. I finally got into a rythm on the flat country roads . . . then I turned the corner and saw the hill. Just one hill on the course, but it nearly killed me. At one point I was weighing the humiliation factor of just walking my bike the rest of the way up the hill, when another athlete passed me and said over his shoulder, "You can do it, just keep peddling". So I did, and made it to the top. I did pass 3 people on the bike. Two had flat tires (I offered them my spare tube, but both had different tire sizes) and one had a minor accident, but I did pass them, so I'm counting that.

Make sure my computer is seated correctly and not freak out over a hill.

I went down the wrong lane of bikes and had to double back to find my spot - silly waste of time.

Pay more attention to where my bike is/should be when coming into transition from any direction.

I power walk or shuffle-run and I was most nervous about this bit of the race. I was terrified my calves would cramp up or I would get a stitch in my side. I controlled my pace pretty well, slow though it was.

I could push more with the run. I still had some gas left at the end, and should have used it.

Walked around a bit and drank lots of water. I should have stretched more to avoid some muscle stiffness later on.


Physical ability and mental preparation.


So proud to have finished my first triathlon!