I felt very comfortable on the swim but I got off course several times. I felt like I was swimming in a zig-zag. Several times I had to do a few strokes of breast stroke to get my bearings. Other times I felt really smooth in the water but when I looked up I was headed off course.

Overall I was very happy with the swim. I started near the shore where I didn't really need to tread water but not really deep with the "real swimmers". As a result I was pretty much clear of others at the start. My plan was to let the "real swimmers" go ahead but when the gun went off I realize I had clear water all around so I started right away.

I figured I would get freaked out at some point and need to calm myself down. This never happened. The closest I came was when I couldn't see the buoys on the way out (the sun glare was really bad) so I just decided to follow the crowd. We ran into the wave before us (#6, W30-34) at the turn buoys then the end of the wave before that (#5, W40-44) just before the turn at the island. It was a little crowded but not to bad. When I saw the double buoys marking the exit I tried to pick it up for the last 100+ yards. It was hard because it was getting crowded and there was a lot of grass, etc in the water at this point.

I think I had a great swim. My split worked out to be 2:11/ 100yds which is about 10 sec slower then when I did a 1000M in the pool. Given all the differences, nav, etc I VERY happy with this.

Learn to navigate. Also still need to work on pacing. I felt comfortably slow. I don't know what a good pace is for this (or any distance) or what that pace feels like. As a result I focused more on remaining comfortable and finishing (probably the best strategy for me at this point).

Pulled my goggles and cap off while running towards the bikes. No trouble finding my bike. I think it helped that I walked/visualized the route from the swim exit to my bike rack. Got right to my bike and started getting dressed. I fumbled a little but not too much. Someone had suggested that I fold my socks over so I could pull them over my toes and just roll them up the rest of my foot. This worked really well and I didn't fell a need to try to dry off. I didn't really jump on my bike but I did hope on and started peddling without worrying if I was clipped in right away.

Nothing really. Maybe try to get a little more fluid with everything.

I was absolutely flying. As soon as I pulled out of the park onto rt 108 started passing people in my age group. I got passed by one person in my age group right as I turned on to Homewood. I got passed again by someone in a different age group right after the turn at FQMS. Other than that I don't think I got passed. The pace felt very comfortable. I really wish I had HR data of this to see how hard I was really pushing it. Had one GU between the turn at FQMS and the traffic circle at Homewood. I didn't feel like I needed it but given the heat and the amount of effort I was putting out I was worried I might fall apart on the run.

Nothing

Had to come down a hill to get back into transition. I was afraid my legs would be wobbly and I'd slip with my cleats. Luckily I didn't. I found my row but had trouble finding my spot... because all the racks around me were completely empty! I realized I was doing pretty well at this point so I threw my bike in the rack, grabbed my shoes and hat and took off.

I could have been a little more organized. I racked my bike handle bars in and had trouble getting them over the rack then was trying to put on my shoes while still had my helmet on.

Started out with a pace of around 07:30 but knew I wouldn't be able hold it. Faded (quickly) to 8:20 by the first mile and then kept fading after that. I was doing OK (and even passed a couple people in my age group) until the first hill on the spur to the ball fields. I was really starting to fade by the time I came back up the hill again. I wanted to pick it up when crossing the damn before turning back to the finish but I couldn't do it. I got passed by two people between the damn and finish line. I think these were "new" people and not ones that I had passed prior.

I started the run at 14th in my age group so I guess I shouldn't be too hard on myself since I did move up two slots on the run.



Not sure. Need more experience running off the bike.

While going around the ball fields I passed a guy who immediately speed up and matched my pace. I remember thinking, "don't push the pace, I'm too tired". We talked a little bit and he was very encouraging. He got away from me on the hill (after saying, "come on, help me catch that guy ahead"). Instead of being afraid he was going to push me I should have used him to do just that. I've had this problem in other race. I need to stop over thinking things and not be afraid to push myself.

Dumped several cups of water on my head then drank couple glasses of Gatorade. Found Becky then went to sit in the shade. I really felt like I should walk around or stretch but I was exhausted. After I cooled down a bit I went and got some food. They had this weird grain salad which was really good.


I'm sure there are several things like lack of swim experience, lack of experience pacing or running off the bike that I should work on. I know I need to push myself more running, I've had a feeling for while that I'm holding myself back mentally. I'm sure other things like the heat (it was 90 by the time I finished) contributed as well. But overall I'm VERY happy with how I did.


This was a great experience and I learned a lot. Now I need to get back to training because I have along way to go before Nation's in Sept!

I just found out I was number 7 of all the the first time men. The two people directly in front of me where the two guys in my age group that passed me at the end! I also ended up with the 3rd fastest bike split of all the first timer men! It's offical... I'm hooked!