I don't feel like there's much I could have done differently. I guess the biggest thing is to anticipate some choppy water no matter what. I had heard several stories about how calm Lake Michigan is in the mornings so I was thrown off by all of it. I was hoping my swim time would have been about 38 minutes so I was disappointed, But, since I almost drowned I should have been happy.

Racine is unique in that you mount your bike at the start of a VERY steep hill. It's a short hill so it's not tough, but it makes it tough to get on the bike quickly and get going. Several people were walking their bikes up the hill and mounting at the top, but if you've had race experience this is certainly not necessary.

I would hurry. I was taking my time intentionally. It was my first race and I was soaking it all in, smiling, talking to another gal I race against in my area, etc. I loved every second of it. Did not use the wetsuit strippers because I was afraid of getting all sandy.

Great course. Biking is probably my weakest link, so I was very pleased with how I completed this leg. I was expecting 3:10.

Absolutely nothing except maybe carry more water on the bike itself. I had to grab water from stops and squirt it into my front mount.

Transition was tight and was a complete mess by this point. There was stuff literally EVERYWHERE! However, I moved as quickly as possible. At this point I was so excited that I couldn't wait to get out running and be DONE. I was really doing it!

Nothing. Maybe hurry a little more, but like I said, I wanted to take it all in.

Good course, but the second half of each loop got a little boring. No spectators to speak of but some good scenery (the first time).

Try to run longer before walking through the water stations and probably shoot for a faster time.

Crossed the finish line and actually burst into tears because I was SO HAPPY!!! I felt so great and I knew then I couldn't wait to tackle the Ironman in 2014. So happy I did this race.


Water conditions, heat in the later afternoon, and my daydreaming and vision of enjoying the race. It was my first one so I really wanted to love it.


There was not a lot of food/drink options after the race. I was very disappointed in that. I was a little fuzzy so I don't even remember exactly what they had but I would have given anything for a beer or a chocolate milk. I felt like an Ironman branded event should have more to offer finishers.