First time in a wetsuit ever. Not a good idea, I know, but it was so incredibly cold out that I realized it was necessary. Unfortunately, it probably contributed, in combination with the cold air, the cold water, seasonal allergies, and a week in a wood-heated cabin, to the severe asthma attack I had almost as soon as I hit the water. I thought about turning back, but decided that I'd made it through the torture of actually getting into the frigid water (although it was warmer than the air), so I was going to sidestroke until I felt like I could breathe again. But it never really happened, so it was sidestroke the entire way. It took forever. And it sucked. But at least I made it to the end.

Switched to the duathlon when I realized how cold it would be!

T1 was a blur. I was completely frozen, including my brain. But I actually don't think I did that bad considering I'd never done the wetsuit thing before. Did use inhaler here.

I wish I could remember....

Somehow, the chain had come off my bike (probably when someone was figuring out how to set it up since it didn't fit into transition racks, and I didn't check it again before the race started.) I was so brain numb, I couldn't even figure out what was going on at first. Fortunately a volunteer came to the rescue (thanks!) - I could have stared at it for a long time before figuring out what to do. :P
I actually thought I was doing pretty good on the ride and was having fun despite being frozen, but apparently the brain freeze was deceiving my judgement.

For the first time ever, I realized why they make cycling gloves. I surely could have used some. My fingers weren't functioning, and I was switching gears with my fist.

Not much to do here. Could barely walk at first, my feet being numb.

Nothing.

Started out waddling until my feet thawed. Had a Stinger gel. Fun jogging through old ASP stomping grounds.

Watched Sister Shrog get her brick award (Yay, Sue!) and put on warm fleecy garments.


Asthma attack.
Cold temps.
First time wetsuit.
Mountain bike.