For me, this was huge deal to just complete the distance all freestyle and not freak out. The layout was intimidating looking at from the beach and only added to my open water anxiety. I just reminded myself to just relax in the water and go from buoy to buoy.

Hit the water after a wait with the time trial start. Amazed to see the 20 minute swims exit the water before I even started. With the start, just made my way to the first turn and then went from marker to marker. I hit the halfway point and felt good and told myself - you got this. Hit the final turn back into the beach and I knew that I had it. Worked my way to the beach and exited the water with a fist pump. I had done it and had won for the day no matter what happened next.

This swim helped my confidence and really puts me mentally in a good spot for Augusta.

Swim straighter and work more on technique. Was a wiggle worm on the course and just added time. But overall, a huge improvement from where I started with zero swimming in April and terrible technique.

A bit of jog to transition - but I was not in a hurry. I just slow jogged to the bike and got my head right. Got out a couple good burps with all the lake water I apparently swallowed.

Thought the bike course was challenging with some rollers and a pair of good short climbs. Well marked and traffic was controlled when I was on it. Almost wiped on loose stone at one turn past the water bottle hand out station. Luckily was able to hold on after the back end slipped.

Legs were tired from training and I did not back off for this race. So overall, please considering I was far from fresh.

Just keep training. Love to do one with a good taper.

Not in a hurry. Jogged to the rack and changed out shoes. Forgot to take a scap. Oops. Foot had a couple wierd pains in the arch when I got off the bike, but they went away on the jog out of T2.

Course was hilly and held back pace for the first three miles because the hills kept coming and I was concerned on having enough to finish. Ended up settling in at my early pace for the run (9 min pace) after 3 miles. I left some time out there and could have pushed a little harder in retrospect. It was hard to push mentally when I knew I was not going to meet my goal of sub 3.

Hard to say when I do these in a training schedule. Legs were tired and felt like I had more in me when I finished. But coulda woulda shoulda. Overall ok with it because I plan to use 9 min pace for Augusta.

Walked a little, drinks, and food. I was starving and running by the grills in the park did not help.


It was my first. So its a PR! But would like to do one with a taper and have fresh legs.


Thought the race was well done and recommend it.