Initially I felt I was doing well. I thought I was out ahead of a number of people in my age group and even started passing some of the earlier age groups. Had some difficulty swimming straight but the buoys were very large with big balloon on top so that helped. Was able to "draft" off others a couple of times but would quickly lose them by veering off to the right or left. Got thumped a few times. Also forgot much of the mechanics of my swim stroke that I had been working on as I struggled to swim straight. My biggest weakness was the return to shore after rounding the last buoy. I was so afraid of getting tossed by one of the many big waves that were rolling in, I actually headed back a few times. This cut into my finish time quite a bit.

Swim short distances with my eyes closed to get a better "feel" for swimming straight. Also spend more time body surfing to improve the return swim and get a better feel for the ocean.

Overall I was pleased with T1.

Would like to be able to step into shoes while riding to save the time of putting them on. My bike shoes are very difficult to get on so this would probably require new shoes.

Overall I felt pretty good about my ride. My avg. and top speeds are as high as they have been and I passed quite a few riders. This really boosted my confidence.

More hill training and intervals. I was going as fast as my "engine" would go, but could go much faster with better training. A new bike wouldn't hurt either! The bikes that did pass me were generally VERY nice/expensive bikes.

This transition went fairly quickly. However, the transitions were not timed, so I am guestimating both T1 and T2

Nothing.

About to complete my first triatlon, I was feeling awesome at this point! I was on top of the world and enjoying every moment of my run -- chatting with other runners, giving a thumbs up to all the volunteers! For quite a while I ran alongside and chatted with a guy named Mario who was in a wheelchair. At some point we hit an incline and he slowed down, so I did too as we kept chatting. At some point I remember I was in a RACE! I started to pick up the pace a little but was enjoying our conversation. He noticed I was conflicted and told me to go ahead -- he'd catch up. I took off up the hill, rounded the loop and started sailing back down the hill. Shortly afterward, here comes Mario flying past me cheering me on! It was just the best. Not long after that, I could see the finish line in sight. As I approached I could hear my friends and family cheering me on. What a feeling! I ABSOLUTLELY LOVED MY FIRST TRIATHLON EXPERIENCE!

Now that I have my first race and all the great memories that go with it under my belt, I can get a little more serious about my times. I ended the race with plenty of energy and felt I could have definately pushed harder -- especially on the run!

Grabbed the post race drink and tray that included a piece of bagel, half a banana and some strawberries. Drank a bottle of water.


My overexuberance with the prospect of completing a triathlon took my focus off the fact that I was racing -- especially by the time I got to the run. I was so in the moment and on top of the world, much of my training and technique went right out the window. Also my lack of confidence riding the waves back to shore on the swim portion.


What an awesome first race! I had such a blast and can't wait to do another! The race was well organized with plenty of support, and most of the other racers were very friendly and helpful.