This is the only of the three diciplines I had actually trained in the last couple of months, so I wanted to make it good. My goal was 30min and I came close. I started towards the front in the middle (I kinda think all the hustle is fun!) Had a good start and didnt get hit/kicked too much at all. I knew if I could keep up with the front runners in the wave, I wouldnt have to sight. I just kept telling myself to put my head down and swim like I know how and it worked. This is the first time I really feel good about a swim. About 2/3 the way through the swim, a swimmer from the wave behind me passed me so I hooked on to his heels and kept up for a bit. Its one of the better times I have had drafting.
I must have sucked in some water at some time because there was about 3 times where the taste of the salt water made me want to throw up. Dry-heaves are not fun when you are trying to swim in a race. Other than that, sighting was good and I was more than happy with my swim.

I have a few things I still need to work on during the swim, but I made what I felt was a major step from my last open water swim. Maybe eating something with some flavor before the swim will help with the salt water problem.

This goes back to not seeming to care about this race. I just took my sweet time, poored water over my head, it took me a while to get my socks on. I just didnt care that much, I wanted to be comfortable more than anything

HTFU. Actually care. I need to practice sprint swimming then running then trying to put on socks, maybe that will help

The bike started off awesome, the first lap, I did at what I thought was a comfortable but fast pace, keeping above 15mph, and probably averaging close to 17. I was drinking as much as I thought I should and told myself to start eating some shot-blocks about half way through. Half way through the second lap, right by the airport, I heard a ping noise. I stop to see why pedaling was so hard and sure enough I had broke a spoke. A friend of mine was not far behind me so stopped to see if he could help, but there wasnt anything to do. The breaks were rubbing because of the tire being wobbly so I unhooked them and got going again. I figured at least I would have to ride back so I may as well keep going. It was harder to pedal but I didnt want to make that the reason for my first DNF, so I finished the second lap and then the third with the broken spoke and wobbily tire. Because of all this, I forgot about eating my blocs/gels that I had...this I would regret later! As I rounded the corner towards the bike finish, my mom informed me that I was right on my goal time (even with the spoke)> Awesome! This tells me that my rides this summer (though few) were beneficial!

Nothing really. I felt good about what I had done. This was the first long ride in a long time. And I cant help that the spoke broke. I could have quit but am too stubborn for that!

Again, I just took my time. I wanted to be comfortable. I knew the worst part was yet to come!

Nothing

This is really where the sufferfest begins. I really had no goals so it was a lot of walk/jog. I did stick with the 2min walk/1min jog routine. I had been drinking water the whole time and knew I needed some salt, but the drink they had was nasty. I tried it once and spit it out and kept drinking water. Come about 2/3 the way through the run I really knew I needed salt because I could feel my toes start to curl. So I took a cup of that drink and chugged it followed by water. I kept pooring water on my head too. As I rounded the last corner (I told myself I would jog the last section) I saw my family and friends and took off. About 200yards from the finish, my toes on my left foot curled up and I couldnt walk, so I just stood there for a second and then walked towards the finish. I managed to jog the last 100 yards through the chute, but by the time I got to the end, my other foot had its toes curling...PAIN. Luckly a friend of mine was there waiting for her relay team member to finish so I held on to her for a minute. I was finally able to walk out after getting my medal.

Drink more water and nutrition during the bike to prevent cramps. SALT

SOOO HAPPY I FINISHED. That was my main goal. My next goal was to finish under 4 hours, which I did! Super Proud of myself for that! Walked around, found some shade and sat my tired butt down.


Training. Lack of nutrition on the bike and run


Tri Rock cant help that San Diego is Broke so they cant fix all the holes in their streets. It was overall a good event. I dont plan on signing up next year. The timing of this event (at the end of the summer) is bad for me. Its too hot to train here during the summer. I need to make my "Season" between October and June. Maybe that way I wont be fighting the heat when I train.