I had done some swims in Lake Michigan and thought they were half a mile after mapping it. I'm pretty sure that was inaccurate, because this looked really long! As soon as I started I felt like I couldn't catch my breath and was able to put my head down only three times. I resorted to backstroke after seeing someone else do it and the crawl without putting my head down. Overall my time was pretty good for me.

I need to train outside more and build general technique. I definitely need to up my swim endurance.

So I laughed out loud when I saw T1 took almost four minutes! I walked some out of the water trying to catch my breath. I was able to get my wetsuit off easily without sitting, but I definitely didn't get my things together with a sense of urgency.

Move quicker. I had my stuff set up well. I just needed to go faster.

I felt slow on the bike which is usually what I'm most confident with. I think it was just that I'm not usually out there racing with a bunch of other people.

I think I did the best I could do on the bike. Maybe one thing could be to add another water cage to my bike so I can bring one water and one gatorade. I just brought gatorade this time.

This was definitely a quicker transition. All I did was sip some water and throw on a visor after taking off my helmet. I don't have cleats so I just rode in my running shoes to save time.

Not waste time putting a sweatband on my wrist when I had a visor on.

Nice and flat running course :) I didn't have that weird feeling after biking then running so that didn't distract me. I walked quite a bit the first mile. The second and last I found my rhythm and only walked a couple of more times. It seemed that it was almost easier to just keep running. It's definitely slower than my 5K times, but I'm pretty pleased with it.

There was a point between mile two and three where I felt like I could keep running, but mentally I wasn't use to running that long without a break. I wished I would have just kept going. I need to keep working on my steady paces even if they're slow. I need to build consistency.

Um....none. It started lightening and thundering the last mile and then raining and then down pouring! I grabbed my water and half a bagel and went to find my friends. It only lasted about ten minutes though. I went to wring out my stuff and rode my bike to my car while they carried all my stuff.


ME! Not being as prepared as I could have been. This was definitely a learning experience and I have learned a LOT! I don't mean that in a negative way at all. I had little expectations coming in - just finish. And I did that. Now I can start working on my weaknesses more effectively.


I can't believe I am officially a triathlete. I got a little teary eyed after finishing and was taking my water bottle. Thank goodness it was raining out! I'm very proud of myself and really want to enjoy the moment instead of thinking of all the work I have ahead. During the swim I really didn't think I was going to make it, but by the end I had pulled myself together to enjoy the race. Everyone's advice on this website and especially in my mentor group has helped me get through all of this and want to do it again.