Windy. According to the race director, the tide was creating a current that was strong on the way back, but it actually seemed worse on the way out. Choppy because of the wind, and the start was a total washing machine. I didn't even try to get into a rhythm until I was rounding the bouy to head upstream, about 100 yd in. I wasn't panicky, just had absolutely no room to maneuver.

Couldn't have really positioned myself better at the start; it was just a really big group for my wave. Felt like I had an okay rhythm going, but I was surprised my time wasn't faster. I probably sighted more often than I needed to, but I think the choppy conditions are the reason my time was slower than I expected. Still, I felt pretty good about this swim.

LONG run (hobble) over really sharp, rocky asphalt coming out of the river. Long way to transition area, too. Couldn't get my helmet on right; ponytail was in the way. Mind was working a little slow after the long cold swim!

Orient my hair differently so I'm not messing around trying to get my helmet on. Maybe wait until I'm on the bike before trying to grab a bite of my energy bar.

Good enough ride for me. Tried to keep the effort level steady, and focus on taking in nutrition and hydration.

Just keep working on building strength on the bike. I'm still pretty new to the cycling world!

Didn't try to rush anything here.

Could have had things a little more organized, but wasn't trying to be too speedy.

Checked my Garmin around mile 1, and realized I was WAY faster at 8:58 than my goal pace of 9:30. Felt okay, and legs were settling in, so I just went with it. Had enough breath to talk to spectators and other racers. Left hip flared up a little after 2 or 3 miles, but I just ignored it. Didn't push it on the downhills much. Had a little kick left at the finish.

Exceeded my expectations for this run, so wouldn't change a thing! In the future, I might try some more hill workouts to build more speed, and practice (carefully) some downhill running.

Walked around a little, grabbed some food. Had a little stomach cramping, but not as bad as some previous races.


Lack of strength/comfort on the bike.


While it was cool to swim under and then run over my favorite bridge in Portland, I didn't love the scenery on the bike course. Otherwise, a pretty nice race. The fees were steep, though, which might make me think twice about doing this race next year. (The free swag from the packet pickup was pretty great, though!)