Yes, my swim time is correct. I back stroked the entire thing, and still enjoyed every minute. Blue sky above me, breathing was great. Once I stopped stressing about the fact that I wasn't swimming freestyle, I had fun. Had a little trouble with navigation, went off course one or twice, but the kayak folks pointed me back in the right direction. Next wave caught up and passed me, but that actually worked in my favor, as it was easier to sight them than the actual buoys. Swim start was fine - no jostling. Nearing the end it actually got a little rougher as there were a lot of bodies funneling into the finish. Took a couple of kicks, but no damage done. The whole thing went very fast.

Someday get comfortable enough with my freestyle stroke.

Went fine. Hard to get wet feet into socks. Glad I had gatorade mix to sip. I was very thirsty. Could definitely move faster than I did.

Just move with a little more urgency.

I was so relieved to get on the bike, I really enjoyed the ride. It also went really fast. My chain was making a weird noise during the majority of the ride, and I was just praying that it wouldn't drop. Only bad part about the whole ride was that I dropped my brand new, a little expensive freezy-water bottle about 20 seconds into the ride. I couldn't bear the thought of stopping and going back for it, so I continued on. I was VERY grateful that my husband took the time last night to put a second cage on my bike. That saved me, hydration-wise. Hit a bit of a wall about halfway through, and then oddly when we turned into the park for the last mile. There was a bit of a crosswind then. Still, being so close is a powerful motivator.

I need to learn to hydrate better, without being so swervy. Clearly I need to practice putting the bottle INTO the cage.

I spent way too much time trying to decide whether to wear my knee brace or not. Didn't, and am glad. Definitely room for improvement here though. This transition is so simple since I bike and run in the same shoes, I am always standing there thinking there is more to do.

Keep moving!

Oh boy, I had nothing left. I walked/ran this entire course, so that is the worst time I have ever posted for a 5K. But it is the first time I ever ran a 5K after a swim and bike, LOL! It was really hot by the time I was running, and my heart rate was sky-high. I worked hard to get it under control. I was very happy to be done. Did manage to run the last quarter mile into the chute.

Save a little for the run.

Oh, the misting tent was just PHENOMENAL! It felt so good. We walked a bit to get to the food. Then we walked quite a bit to the car. Once home, sat for a bit outside with hubby and then floated in the pool.


Lack of training as I got closer to the tri. Heat, to some extent, but it is a late July race, so that is to be expected. I am so happy to be a TRIATHLETE!


CGI did a great job with this race. There are a lot of athletes to organize and they did a great job. Highly recommended.

It was really great having my family there. Thank you Jim, Alex, Brandon, Mom and Dad for getting up so early to hang out in the heat and be such a great cheering section. I really appreciated it!