This was my first OWS race. I have done group swims in open water before but I was not prepared for the blender effect created here. I got pummeled and barely got a full stroke in until after the first turn. Never found a good rhythm after that and my goggles fogged up even though I gave em the treatment right before. Live and learn.

Get out of the middle! Time for some new goggles.

The run from the beach to T1 included long steep stairs. I was a little fuzzy in my head so I chose to walk up them. This cost me a lot and probably a couple of places.

This was also my first race with clipless pedals. It did not go like practice, but not too bad.

Buck up and run all the way to the bike.

This was the longest, most challenging course I've done. I was so proud of myself at the end!

Not be one of THOSE people who drops their water bottle. :(

Yeah, plenty of room for improvement.

My back was aching, but my main goal was just to keep running.

Just need more practice on hills. I don't have that many on my regular routes.

Plop down on the ground and share a pb&j with my daughter


Need more hills to practice on and time in the saddle. Really slow transitions which require just a little more mental toughness. I am glad it was so challenging though. I haven't been pushed like that before and I have a lot of pride in finishing as well as I did.


Great locale for spectators. Kept my daughter busy while I raced. Great, challenging course. Would be good if the run wasn't out and back but that's okay.