I was very nervous going in, this would be my longest open water swim this year and the first time at this distance in a race. My wave was the last of the day and it was a very small wave. I started in the back on the left. I found myself in clear water really quickly but it took a bit to get into my rhythm. The long side of the had a long patch of tall weeds. They were all up in my face. I couldn't do a full arm stroke. I also hit a patch of floating weeds on the way to the finish. I had to stop and remove the weeds from my face a few times. It was hard to pick out exactly where the swim finish was.

I need to get better at the swim. I'm slow and that hurts me. I had times of good siting and other times did pretty poorly.

I had some problem getting out of my wet suit, I was trying to push it off my foot and kept getting caught on my chip.

Be a little more aggressive getting the wetsuit off.

Hardest ride course I've ever seen, but really fun too. It felt really good to pass people. I've always been the one being passed, this ride I just kept passing others. I got passed once on the whole course and that was on the decent. The roads were mostly wet so had to be a bit careful. I was careful on the big decent even though it was mostly dry.

I need to get more comfortable handling my bike. Cornering and going down hills need work.

Banged my leg on the pedal going over one of the little ramps. Luckily it didn't hurt my run. Shoe change went well.

Went pretty well.

From the time I hit the shoes this run felt really good. I ran strong and kept passing people. I only had instant pace on my watch so I ran by feel. This felt smooth and amazing! I walked two water stations and got some Nuun.

Absolutely nothing!

I did a little walking and tried to stay dry and warm.


Swim - my weakest sport


There were a lot of good points about this race but some not good things. The starting line up was bad - Oly elites, sprints and then Olys with the 40+ Oly females last. The elite's had to make a left around the same buoy the first waves of the sprinters were making a right around it. Awards were going on while I was in T2. Giveaways were a separate sign up while I was on the course. There was no hot food left when I got to the food line. Food was sold to spectators when there wasn't enough for the racers.

Also have to note the misspelling on the finisher's medal - Battle for the Buff