This was my first open water swim. I had no idea what to expect. I was physically conditioned for the distance, but being out there rounding the buoy, I am thinking, wow this is far!

Had a couple close calls with others, but nothing significant.

Water was warmer than air, so most of us just floated in water until our start.

Need a lot more work on sighting and open water swims. Realized that I need to sight every other breath. If I wait longer, I end up going sideways and running into others.

I was in a daze after the swim. Took lots of time, put socks on (which were wet in about 10 minutes into bike). Walked bike out of transition to avoid mud and water, which again was probably worthless.

Also stood for 20 seconds just thinking if I forgot anything at my bike. I was fine running/walking to starting line in my bike shoes, no issues.

Train without socks so I could go right into my shoes. Visualize how to get out of transition faster and not monkey around with trying to eat/drink in transition.

I kept pedaling, did not stop, but watched countless people fly by me! I passed maybe 4 people. My hands started going numb after about 10 miles and bothered me the rest of the way (from my long standing carpal tunnel).

Rain didn't bother me (luckily I was wearing some clear glasses), but the wind was really annoying.

Find solution to hands going numb. Train more mileage and faster mileage. I realize I held back on the bike and was not fatigued after it, because I wanted to be sure to have legs for the run. Doing more bricks would also help me get familiar with faster bike and knowing that I can then do the run afterwards.

Rain had stopped. Took time to put on dry socks and pulled my running shoes from plastic bag.

Should have changed from long sleeve/warm shirt I had on into short sleeve. Again, should have grabbed food and gone instead of fueling up in transition.

At first I didn't see anyone on the run until about mile 1 when I caught someone in front of me. Wondered if I was off course! Garmin didn't start tracking me til mile 1.25 and then seemed to be off by 2 miles the whole time. Lots of water on the trail. In fact at one point, there was a river running through the trail that was probably 2-3" deep! Miles 6-8 were on a dirt/muddy road.

I felt good on the run and while my legs were tired, I ran the whole time and never felt winded. My wife and kids somehow managed to find all the random dirt roads and surprised me at 4 of the water stops!

Lots of water stops (more than expected), but no bathroom on entire run. Had to dash into the trees when no one was around!

Run faster and not stop to talk to family. I could shave at least 30 seconds/mile off pace.

Experience. Bike conditioning.


Good organization. Maybe it was because I was the last heat in the long course and slower than most, everything was over by the time I finished. No real post race activities. Plus, the crummy weather probably motivated most to go home instead of stick around.