Overall very happy with the swim. The suit felt a little restrictive to start, then I relaxed and forgot about it. Took it easy, stayed in the middle of the pack and was pretty well pulled along by the sheer bulk of swimmers, I didn't have to do much at all.

Go a little harder. Put a few drops of water in my goggles to help keep them clear

Took my time in T1 getting dressed (arm warmers) and just generally dawdling about. It was a little difficult as everything was either in plastic bags, or wet, or both.

Be a bit more organised I guess, and just feel a bit faster. I wasn't really worried about speed today.

In retrospect, very glad the course was shortened due to the wet weather as I would have been completely stuffed otherwise. As it was, I pedalled along doing my own thing, not worrying about everyone--everyone--passing me. Sang They Might Be Giants' "Why Does The Sun Shine" all the way round the course--mostly in my head, but on the flatter bits at the top of my voice. It certainly entertained me, hopefully no one else was too close at those points. A great song to keep your cadence up :)

I guess I could do more training and go harder if I felt serious about it. As it was, I had a lot of fun.

No real rush in T2 either. Stopped to use the toilet, got organised, decided I couldn't put it off any longer and trotted out.

My lack of bike fitness really started to hurt here. Not so much fun anymore. The first lap was hard, but expected. The second lap really started to hurt, with calves and toes cramping especially over any ground that wasn't smooth and flat. Had to stop to stretch a lot, walk a lot. On the plus side, there were plenty of aid stations (water, endura, gets, lollies) and when you're seriously back of pack and obviously hurting the spectators really cheer you along. Helen and Richard spotted me as I was limping into the finisher's chute so Helen hopped the fence and we ran the last 100m or so holding hands, which was lovely. I'm not sure if she was holding me up or me her.

Bike training bike training bike training...and start a lot earlier.

Flop around on the ground for a bit. Stagger off and get some oranges, a drink. Hang around chatting a bit. Do a bit of stretching then go and get my stuff and head home


Lack of bike fitness primarily. And I wasn't rushing, whether that would have made any difference in the end? At least I did finish this way.