Panicked bad early. Couldn't get into a rhythm, got about 50 yards out, and got a kayaker to throw me a noodle. Chlled for a minute on the noodle and then worked to the first bouy. Hung on a kayak there for a couple minutes, then went to the second bouy, hung again on a kayak. Still freaked out about not being able to see or get into rhythm, seemed to get a mouthful of water with every breath. Finally gave up and just backstroked the last leg of the swim. Horrible swim, but I finished it.

At this point, nothing. Going forward, just more time in the water. I've only been swimming for about 2 months now, so I'm confident I can improve with some coaching/training. Need more open water work as well.

Had a snafu since someone was kind enough to knock my helmet off my bike for me and I couldn't find it,my skull cap, or my sunglasses initially. Otherwise, transition went smoothly, except for the nagging near vomiting sensation I had running to transition after swallowing what seemed to be about a gallon of lake water.

Need more "jump on the bike practice",

Slow start on the bike after the crap swim. Took a couple miles before I felt like myself on the bike. Thought I was faster because it seemed every time I looked down I was doing 20-21 MPH, but the clock doesn't lie. The ride into transition was kind of confusing. Would have pushed harder had I known where I was going. Felt like I passed who I was supposed to pass, and got passed by who was supposed to pass me based on where I think my cycling is. I need more time in the saddle but overall I'm happy with the ride.

Stay in aero more. Walk the bike course in/out before the race.

Very smooth transition. Running barefoot on concrete while rolling a bike kinda stinks. Practiced transitioning the day before the race and it paid off for me, as my running gear was well laid out.

Nothing.

Felt good on the run... really good. Thought I paced well and consistently, as my mile splits were all within a couple seconds of each other. I was especially surprised by this since it was warm and sunny on the course and that usually effects me a bit, but I'm guessing the adrenaline dump of the race overcame that.

Nothing. Great run for me.

Drank some water, walked around a bit, watched some bikes come into transition for the Olympic race, found the beer wagon and the jambalaya. Talked to some people including a pro. Then went to the last aid station to wait for a friend and ran the last .1 miles with her for moral support (in beach shorts and crocs).


My (lack of) swimming ability. A decent swim could have put me in a better position on the bike, which probably would have resulted in a better bike leg. And I'm sure the frustration with the swim probably cost me 20 seconds per mile on the run.


Live music at the post-race party would have been perfect. Overall, it was a good day for my first complete Tri.