I finally decided to feel comfortable and actually swim in the last 400. It was my first open water race and from the mass start to the fear of going off course or having to rest, I did not do well. I did not stop, but used side stroke, a little breast and freestyle.

Go out fast to get over the jitters and then work into a rhythm after catching my breath.

I took the time to sit down and catch my breath and dry my feet to put on socks. The run to the mount line was about 75 yds and had a steep grassy uphill to get to the asphalt. Slipping was a definite possibility. I was tired from taking so long in the swim, but felt pretty good about the transition and was really looking forward to the bike.

Skip socks for the bike.

I jumped on the bike in great spirits...so happy to be done with the swim. It was a little overcast, so the heat wasn't a problem. There wasn't much wind. I was way behind, so I felt the need to push and pass. I was so far behind, though, that it was hard to guage how hard to ride. I picked up a few spots, dismounted cleanly, getting out of my shoes before the dismount line. Took one gel and 12 oz of water during the ride.

Not much. Just need more training and need to use the downhills for some recovery.

Clean T2. Most of the time was spent running (you call that a run?) from dismount to the rack. Dead legs and long distance. Helmet off, visor on.

practice running with bike in grass off the ride.

I think I bonked. I was planning on a 3 hour race total. I had no strength left in my quads a couple of times. The sun came out full force and was baking. I poured more water on my head than down my throat.

More run training in the sun. Almost all of my runs were early morning when it was much cooler.
Perhaps take longer in T2 to get HR down. With 2 or 3 more mins there, I might have saved 7 in the run.

Stretched and tried not to puke. Could barely stand.


Inadequate training.


I will do this race again next year.

The rest of the story? I found out later in the day that I actually had bronchitis. A full on lung infection...well....makes me a little less critical of my performance. I still was made very aware of some deficiencies in my training and a few spots of mental weakness.

I rated Mental effort at a 5, not meaning I managed it great, but that it took all the effort I could muster to keep it going.
Physical effort at 5 means I had nothing left. Given the bronchitis, it's no wonder.