I watched the first wave (all men not in special groups) and I wasn't nervous at all. I made sure I was toward the back and in the middle of the pack as many veterans had instructed me to do. As soon as the whistle blew I took off running and when I was in thigh-high water I lunged forward to do a dolphin swim under a wave. Well, right as I did I got kicked in the neck and started gasping for air. Since I was still able to stand, I stood up and took a few deep breaths as a few people passed me. I started toward the first bouy but was still having trouble getting my breath - I just couldn't find my rhythm. I was gasping and I couldn't see anything (in the water or out). I was getting bumped so I started to do the breaststroke thinking it would help - in hindsight, I think I just freaked out once I got kicked and I never recovered. I was at the half way mark when I heard the horn for wave 3 and I realized that I was WAY behind. I wanted to stop and if there had been a lifeguard/support person nearby I probably would have but there wasn't. When I reached the final turn I pulled off my foggy goggles and decided to finish with the breaststroke and just get to shore. I was very disappointed but thought I would have to make it up on the bike.

MORE swimming in the ocean and double my distances in the pool. I will wear lighter goggles (I wore dark tinted ones) and use de-fogger. Since swimming is supposed to be my stronger area, I will start near the front of the pack on the inside to see if that will help me avoid the masses any better.

The race people were yelling not to mount bikes until after we passed the timing mats. Once I passed the mat I put my right foot into my toe cage and as I was raising my left leg I was bumped from behind. I didn't fall and neither did the guy who bumped me but it caught me off guard. Another rookie mistake!!

I would run harder out of the water into T1. I will also practice mounting the bike while running and stay out of the way!

I made sure to stay two lengths away which was hard at times but I didn't want any penalties. I did manage to pass people and I was only passed by four riders. I bought a 24oz water bottle a few days before the race and never realized that it didn't "pop out" of the cage like my shorter one. I was never able to get it out of the cage and was afraid of dropping it or wiping out so I NEVER drank a drop on the bike (stupid, stupid). I did have a gel at mile 6 but it went down HARD with no liquid. I also had some trouble dismounting the bike gracefully and re-racking it.

Get a new bike! My bike is an old 1980's steel bike and I think a new one might make a difference. Practice grabbing the water bottle at higher speed and also practice mounting and dismounting while moving.

I had some trouble re-racking my bike. Took my helmet off and put my hat on and off I went.

Practice racking my bike? Maybe read the rules to see if there is a penalty if it is not racked properly. If there is no penalty, just leave it and go!! LOL

It is no secret that I need to improve my run times. I would like to run closer to 26mins and push myself harder on the last mile.

Not walk at all - I walked three times!! Hydrate more and push myself harder on the last mile.

I stretched just a bit and had several cups of gatorade and water. I didn't feel like eating b/c I was definitely dehydrated.


My MIND!! I should have been able to recover in the swim better (from the kick in the neck). I was ready to give up before I started. I also messed up the bike leg b/c I wasn't able to hydrate (get to my bottle) and then my mind beat me on the run. I beat my personal goal of 1:22 (just barely) and think I could have done closer to 1:17 which would have made me very happy. Oh well, there is always next year...or another race this year!!


This was my first and only race so it is hard to rate it but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and all of the wonderful people I met. I can't wait to decide which event I will do next!