This is the first swim that I have actually swam freestyle. On the way out I made sure to splash my face to get use to the cold water. I tried to start swimming a couple of times, but it was just too crowded until I was almost at the first buoy. At this time I was doing more of a side-stroke/freestyle with head out of the water combo. My breath was pretty hard to control. I made myself just put my head under water and breath out and then I started to freestyle. I couldn't believe it! The last three tris I've done, I felt confident going into the swim, until I actually started swimming then I freak out. This time I made myself go practice in that lake about four times, so I knew I could do it. I passed people! Me! I did veer off course a couple of times, but once I was doing the freestyle, I was good. And doing this actually helped control my breath so I didn't feel like I was hyperventilating.

Get use to a wetsuit so maybe I could use one. I just get so hot so quickly, but like anything I'm sure it just takes practice.

Long run through the sand once we get out of the water. Once the sand turns to pavement there was a little pool to rinse the feet which I used and then jogged the rest of the way into transition and to my bike.

Move a little faster. I'm just tuckered out after the swim it takes a minute for me to get moving.

There's a large (to me) hill right out of transition, but I cranked up that bad boy as fast as I could. The rest of the ride was good. A bit bumpy at spots, but overall it was fine.

After the ride I need to figure out a way to get out of my pedals more efficiently. I make sure I unclip my left one to stop and then I get out of my right one. I need to practice both so I don't have to actually STOP and unclip and crawl over the bike.

Went good. Took off my bike shoes and put on my socks and running shoes. Took off my helmet, ate a gu and drank some Gatorade and was off.

I need to remember to unclip my helmet while I'm running to my spot.

I started out too fast, but slowed myself down. I did a run/walk of 5:1 which really helped me keep my energy up. I did walk the up hills though. They fell nicely into my minute of walking pattern. A couple of houses had sprinklers misting which was really nice.

Run more, which wouldn't be a hard goal. I also need to do hill workouts otherwise I will never get better at those darn things.

Got my medal and water and gatorade. Walked over to a shady tree and stretched out my legs. My right knee felt really tight.


Train with more purpose. I would really like to get my run time down. Overall I was really proud of myself for the swim, I went faster than usual on the bike, and I stuck to my plan on the run. It was a good race.


I really like doing this race. Everyone is so nice and it's very well run. There's a great breakfast afterwards and plenty of hydration available for after the race.