Swim went smmothly give that 1) it was a running start, which I had never done and 2) it was longer than I have done. First time with a wet suit also, and it was wonderful. As normal for me, it took about 300 meters for me to get a rythym. Once I rounded the bouy and saw the shoreline, I really fell into a good ryhtym and made good time in that 400

Utilize the bouancy effects of the wetsuit better. Being the first time, I was kicking as I normally would. when I realized I didnt need to kick as often, I really found a rythym and finished strong.

First, the race is in a reservoir, which at this point of the year is lower than normal, which made the runout longer than normal......through sand. Anyway, transition for me was slow. The wetsuit slowed me down. Also, I have been fighting a pinched nerve in my neck (reoccuring issue)that doesnt allow me to push with my left arm (no issues when I swim, go figure). So, because of that, wetsuit removal was SLOW. could have been 30-40 seconds faster which is where MOP'ers were.

Not much given my physical limitations at the time

Missed a few gear changes on the hill climb, but overall, happy with the ride portion. I feel like my biking is coming along well being my first year of riding. Avg speed is held down because of the climb.
Also, I was assessed my first tri penalty on the ride. Its a long story, but each time I tried to pass, the person I was passing would match my pace and I had to fall back in line. I guess I didnt get to the 3 bike lenghts before the referee on a motorcycle came up on us.I saw her writing my number down. Oh well.

Find some steeper hills to ride over and over.

Smooth Transition. Nothing special

Nothing

After the bike, the legs were feeling heavy. Tough to get going and it took a little longer than normal. I lost focus and concentration, so my time was impacted here

Not much, keep focus.

Plenty of energetic High School aged volunteers on the course cheering everyone on. They did a great job. Course is a bit odd as the parking lot is also part of the run course. As I left the T2, the early finishers were congregating in their cars, around tents, etc, but were on the course. I had to go around them as I started my run. At the finish, many people were loading bikes and trying to back out. At least by this point, people were looking out for finishers. Good race, but needs some marshalling in those areas.