We were sent in waves, 2 by 2 every 5 seconds. This spread us out so I didn't get the crap kicked out of my but I couldn't draft anyone. The day was already getting hot and that cap was making me so hot!!!! I navigated pretty well, but the bouys weren't aligned so I kept aligned with the furthest bouy I could see. Also, I couldn't sense my balance as well because of how murky the water was. Overall, my goal was to get through the swim relaxed and I did that.

Just get faster and better form.

I decided to put my shoes on and then run with the bike across the mounting line instead of leaving them on the pedals. Most of the other racers weren't trying that and my skills just aren't up to par to attempt that. I definitely need to practice that more, especially using rubber bands, before I try it again in a race.

Continue to practice transition to pick up speed. I did about average on this transition, mostly because I was still a little wobbly from the swim and had trouble balancing on one foot while putting on my shoes.

They had a bottle exchange past the halfway point and I didn't realize how that would work. I thought I would get a regular water bottle that I could put in my cage, but it was a little drinking bottle. So, I had to stop, unscrew my bottle and dump the water in. Next time, I'll just bring my own extra bottle and avoid the slow down. Also, I lost focus towards the end and ran over a big rock. I'm lucky I didn't flat or crash!

Practice more hills & work on focus.

I had the fastest T2 time of my age group. I even had a faster T2 than the race winner. Damn, I'm cool ;-)

Wrap my gel in soft batting to carry it with me. Since I've got the spare room in my top, I just carried my extra gel in there. I ended up getting pretty cut up during the run.

I was actually pretty pleased with this run considering how much trouble I've had lately. By the time I started, the temp was hitting the 90s with high humidity & scorching hot sun. I had bear hug cramping during the initial part of my run, but I breathed through it and made it go away. I drank only water along the course so I wouldn't overdo the nutrition. I also took the time to stop and dunk water on my head and shorts at most of the aid stations. I was a bit nervous about getting overheated since I started getting chills and throbbing ears, but I didn't let it get too bad. I ended up taking a final gel at the 4 mile mark and that's what got me to the finish.

Work on my running speed and make a gel container for my bra.

Sprinted across the finish line, got my popsicle and ran into the water tent to cool down.


Heat, overtraining, predominance of base building versus speed workouts.


GA Multisports puts on way better races than Tri Blue Sky -- more volunteers, better food, better schwag! I felt like I gave this race my all and am proud of my performance. I think I will stay at this race distance for awhile and work on improving my speed significantly before I pursue longer distances. I will also approach my next season more thoughtfully so I can shave 15-30 minutes off my race time next year!