A heavy wind created very choppy conditions, making breathing and navigating difficult. I had to fight for every stroke. Visibility was almost zero--I couldn't see past my own elbow.

Practice more open-water swims without a wetsuit.

This wasn't the fastest transition I've ever done, but it was the most methodical--didn't drop anything or forget anything.

Nothing.

The only thing I would change would be to hydrate more for the following run. It was so flat and steady I just never got into any kind of rhythm for drinking as I stayed aero nearly the whole time.

It may have saved some seconds not to wear socks. I've had some problems with my feet this spring so I've taken to wearing socks even at races.

I forgot the lessons of my first tri this year: don't drink water on the course! Whenever I do, I get abdominal cramping. I forgot and drank water at mile 1 and was cramping within a few minutes. I had to walk a few steps at mile two and again about half a mile from the end. I'm surprise I wasn't any slower. (9.85 mm may not seem "fast" but it's pretty good for me.) So even with the cramping, I'll rate it average.

Hydrate on the bike so I won't have to on the run.

Nearly collapsed. I had to sprint the last 100 yards to beat a closer, so I was very winded. Took on some Coke and walked around a bit. Showered and enjoyed the after-event party.


I didn't practice enough bricks before this one. I also needed to do some open-water swims without the wetsuit.


This is indeed the best small tri in the region (as voted by the athletes last year). The swag was *very* good, useful stuff: a run hat; a nice shell with the race name on it; a nalgene bottle and a water bottle; great t-shirt; a couple of "golf" towels personalized with the race name and date. The organizers were excellent: they had their stuff together but were very mellow and friendly to paticipants and supporters alike. (Beer, burgers and pizza for everyone!) I will definietly do this race again next year,