About 800 competitors were ferried out to this little island with about 3 feet of beach. We started from the water with some wading out and others standing around waist deep. Everyone seemed nervous about the mass start but it wasn't bad. It was really neat seeing all the colored caps as we swam to the first buoy. It got crowded about 1/2 way out to the buoy and didn't clear up until about 1/2 way to the next buoy. Some guy swam over me and my hand hit his timing chip. In a moment of being pissed off I actually tried to grab it. (I hate when someone gets pushy in the water)

Nothing. A lot of people complained about the currents and being off course but I didn't have any problems. The current was strong heading south and it seemed like I would never get to the buoy. Times were slow for most of us.

Good transition. I didn't swim with my tri top and was worried it would get stuck while putting it on but there was no problem.

I didn't start hard on the bike because I was planning to take it easy. After the trip across the bridges I felt pretty good so I started riding harder. I kept up my speed after the first 5 miles.

Get more serious at the start of the ride.

When I reached T2 I was beat and actually considered not doing the run. It was so hot and I felt very thirsty. Then I figured I had spent a lot of money between race fees and hotel costs and kept going. Amazing what motivates me!

Have a better mental attitude.

Torture!! After coming off the bike feeling so bad my first mile wasn't bad, even with the bridge - 10:15. The 2nd mile started off okay but close to mile 2 my mouth was dry and I felt dehydrated. Started to walk. It was close to 10:00 am and extremely hot, no shade and running on asphalt. I never saw so many people walking on an Oly. I walked and jogged for the rest of the race. The only positive thing, other than finishing, is that I ran from the base of the bridge to the finish line.

Drink more on the bike. Train better for the run.

Sit on bench in shade near the water.


I haven't been doing any distance running or long workouts. My conditioning is great for a sprint. The heat was nasty. More water stops were needed on the run. Some were more than a mile.


For an inaugural race this was well run. The only negative was the amount of water stations on the run plus the water wasn't cold. They got everyone out to the island and started the race fairly close to the start time. Everyone thought it was a tough race due to the currents, the bridges and especially the heat.