Had been training using bilateral breathing every third stroke. But the time I was 100 yards into the swim, I found that I could not catch my breath and ended up breast stroking for 2/3 of the course. Had spent a good deal of time in the pool preparing for the swim, so very disappointed in the result here.

Completely changed up the way that I approach the swim. Training to breath every other stroke but continue to bilateral breath for sighting. Also focusing more on exhaling as I swim under the water, making for a more natural inhale on the ups. The added breathing has helped quite a bit.

Transition didn't feel as slow as the time turned out to be, but since this was my first non-minisprint triathlon, I didn't have much to compare it to. This was also the fist time I have used clipless pedals and ended up spending a bit of time getting socks and riding shoes on. I was approaching this race as a learning experience, so I didn't push the transition and took my time.

Probably wouldn't do anything differently, but now that I have a better idea as to what to expect, I will begin making a more intentional effort to improve the time. Will practice attaching the shoes to the bike ahead of time and putting them on while rolling--I think this was the biggest deficit in my time.

The bike is a real weak spot for me and an area I plan to focus on much more in the off season.

Nothing much...for me, it is all about putting in more seat time in training.

Transition to running went smoothly. Left the bike shoes attached, but spent a little too much time having to ties my running shoes.

Need to get some tri-laces for the running shoes to cut down on the time needed to get into them.

The run segment is my strongest area, and I was able to make up a little time lost in the poor swim and bike. The hills play to my strength as I passed a number of runners.

Wasn't sure how my legs would work after the bike ride, so I took it perhaps a bit too conservative at the beginning of the run. Had no problems with my legs and finished with a little gas left in the tank--should have pushed harder right out of T2.

No dynamic warmdown. Stood at finish for a few minutes and drank a bottle of water--temperature was beginning to get pretty warm. Ate a banana and sandwich provided for finishers. Psychically felt pretty good after the race, but dwelled on the poor swim performance. Will use that feeling as motivation to improve next time out.


There were no limiting factors except the need to for training. As a first non-minisprint tri, I approached this race as a learning opportunity, so times did not mean all that much. Next race, however, that won't be the case.


A well run and organized race, but since I am still a rooking, not much to compare it to. I enjoyed the course, both bike and run, around the lake and through the woods.