The swim was the hardest part for me. It was completely a mental thing. I convinced myself before the race that I was going to struggle with the swim and I did. This was crazy because the swim should have been my strongest event. I love to swim and used to swim in open water fairly frequently without any difficulty. Not sure why I got panicky in the race.

Prepare more mentally and not convince myself that I'm going to have trouble.

Overall I thought this transition went excellent. We had to go up the beach, over a levy and back down into transition just to get to our stuff. I walked up the levy slower to let my heart rate come down after the swim and still managed to a pretty quick transition.

Nothing really

The course was pretty challenging. There were two bridges that we crossed twice, that I was not prepared for. I just started riding and training and had not done any on hills. The wind was also extremely strong. Overall, I think I did great for the unexpected obstacles. My speed was still slightly faster than my training speed. I was not expecting bridges so I was totally unprepared for that. Surprised myself how quickly I figured out some gearing changes though. Lessons learned.

Train for hills and check out the course ahead of time when possible. I also could have pushed the bike a little harder.

This transition went well also. I purposely took a second just to relax. I also stopped at the water station before I realized it was just in front of the timing mats. So I really was out of T2 a little quicker than my time shows.

Nothing- this was my first tri and I wanted to savor and enjoy it.

Running is my weakest event ( well should have been- the swim was close though). I don't like to run (hate it actually) and have really just started training for it. Overall, I was satisfied with my run. I could have pushed it a little more.

A funny happened on the run as well. At the pre race talks they were adamant about no family/friends assisting you in anyway on the course- with food, drink, pacing etc. They were very clear that it would automatic dq and to please make sure your spectators knew. I didn't even think to say anything to my family because I never dreamed they'd do anything to try and assist me. As I was rounding the bend of the last 200 yds or less of the run my oldest dd jumps onto the course next to me and says I'm going to run with you for a little bit. I all but plowed her down pushing her off the course. I was so done at that point and couldn't wait to get to the finish line and when she did that all I could see was DQ! She poor thing had no idea why I was freaking out. When I explained it to her she almost had a heart attack thinking her actions could have gotten me DQ'd for pacing. We both actually cracked up laughing afterwards. At the time though I must have looked like a maniac shoving my daughter- hehe. We still laugh about it.

Not much. I hate to run so I'm just proud of myself for doing it.

Just milled about with my family and friends. I did get interviewed by the local paper because I was racing as a three time cancer survivor and racing as a part of Team Courage.


I have heart damage from my cancer treatments so I have to be very careful.


The race was awesome! Lots of support from volunteers, sponsors, workers, etc. Eastbank Cyclery guys were awesome! I wouldn't have gotten through the swim without their training clinic and support. Great post race breakfast. Excellent first tri.