Worst swim ever. Got about two hundred feet before panic began. I couldn't get into my rhythm. I had no energy, couldn't catch my breath and generally felt horrible. Seriously considered gettig out of the water and giving up. Stayed in the water, breast-stroked for 3/4 of the first lap. Gradually calmed down and eventually got into freestlyle and finished the lap, last in my wave. The rest of the swim went ok. I actually caught some others.

WARM UP. I should swim at least a lap. After a little while I get used to the water and have no problems. I have to remember to do this!

Took off wetsuit right after exiting the water. Got a cramp in my calf that I had to massage for a minute. Wore no socks with the bike shoes, didn't wear sunglasses since it was raining.

Wait a little more to get the wetsuit off. I scooped water into the suit to make it easier to get off but I didn't give the water time to work into the legs.

I had a nice ride. I really pushed to try and make up the huge amount of time lost in the swim. Passed a bunch of people and was only passed by two guys (they had really expensive bikes, were young and very very strong) who were on their second lap as I was on my first. I rode my road bike and really tried to push on the hills.

Do more leg presses in the winter to make my legs stronger.

Considered getting out of shoes before dismounting but I had not practiced this so decided to play it safe.

practice getting out of shoes while on bike.

I wasn't sure how much energy I had used on the bike so I started the run slow. Had to take a pee break which added a little bit to my time. I took water whenever possible and HEED at every other stand. Began to get a blister during 2nd lap. Really pushed on the last lap, I should have gone faster earlier.

Wear socks. I opted not to wear socks and have a nice blister to show for that mistake. It was ok for a 5K but I need them for longer races. I need to really push and run faster, longer strides.

Took a water and nutrigrain bar, walked to the food and had an orange, banana and bagel with PB. Just walked around a bit.


Not doing a good enough swim warm-up and not picking up my running pace sooner.


I liked the course. The bike was fun and very challenging as was the run course. Swim course was ok. I think if it was a nicer day it would have been a good spectator course.