Was in the second to last wave. Lots of pre-race anxiety, my right toes were going numb from standing aruond so long. Felt better once in the water. Found a spot behind the first row but with no one directly in front of me.

I kept getting water in my mouth and nose no matter which way I turned and ended up doing the breast stroke here and there so I just never got into a good rhythm. 1/2 way through I hear a swim angel asking if someone needs assistance. I looked over and see one of my friends who started in the wave in front of me. Gave her a little shout out and tried to "Just keep swimming". The swim volunteers were awesomely motivating at the end. Was 2 min slower than expected.

Plus side is I didn't feel panicked like I tend to do with some OWS's. Maybe b/c it was race day, maybe b/c of I couldn't see anything beyong my own hand in that water.

Need more OWS with lots of chop. Try out swimming in a wetsuit too.

I ROCKED this transition. Fastest T1 of the day.

Not wasted those 10 seconds by trying to rinse off the sand with water from my water bottle.

Also maybe cut off the racer who jumped into the shoot right before me. Her speed probably cost me a good 15-20 seconds in getting on my bike b/c the shoot was so long and narrow and I could not get around her.

Frustrated with the narrow mounting area for the bike. At least 5 racers where having difficulty getting on their bikes and blocked the entire road in front of me. Also frustrated with how the cones were placed at the corners on the course. They provided a very narrow area for turning and on very rough roads. Lost a lot of speed here.

Bike didn't feel normal. Felt like something was rubbing. Wonder if I missed something that morning but couldn't find anything wrong. Also my gear shifter was acting up again even after being changed out a month ago. Ended up fiddling with it lots.

Otherwise felt good. Only two women passed me. The second on the last hill but she was slower in T2 so she had to pass me again on the run. Ha!

Nothing but I need to either do a complete overhaul on my 22 yo roadie or upgrade to a new bike.

Smooth. Racked bike. helmet off. socks and shoes on. Grabed my race belt and I was off.

I was worried I'd try to run out the bike. Happy that didn't happen.

Put on those Lock Laces.

After my knee injuries in May and June, and not being able to run much I knew this would be my slowest leg. Got an awful stitch in my side going up the first hill. Could not get rid of it until I hit mile 2.

Took Gatorade at both water stations.

Did finish strong. Someone passed me with maybe 100yds to go. As soon as she got in front of me something inside me clicked and I let loose. She and I went full out sprint those last yards. I am happy to report I made it to the finish first and even passed a few others in the process. Interested to see photos if there are any.

Lose another 20 lbs. Run more.

Still very wet so I got changed quickly, looked for the hubs and kids, and waited for my friends to come in.


Weight, old and crappy bike, and lack of run training and swim experience.


Good post race food. Fun awards ceremony and prize giveaway.

Wish the hubs had not forgotten the camera nor missed my finish. I think he needs a prerace checklist as well.