My plan was to stay inside...close to the buoys and hang back a bit. While waiting, there were only a few gals around me. Once we started swimming, there was too many people on my feet, beside me, in front of me...I couldn't escape! I couldn't get any rhythm...I kept having to stop and reorient because of all of the bumping. I did alot of breast stroking to attempt to let them get ahead of me so I could get some space but when I would start freestyling again...I would be up on their feet again. I don't know what to say...it was just challenging. Then when I was nearing the end, the "green caps" were passing me. They were the next wave which was men (age group?)...they were practically swimming over me. I had like 2 on one side and one on the other side...I was a swimming sandwich. I thought...geeze...can't they SEE me! Hello...I'm here! But anyway...I would have liked to done all freestyle but didn't deal well with the bumping action.

I'm not sure...get in the front of the pack and LEAD (instead of follow) so I wouldn't have to DEAL with bumping. (That was Jeanette's husband's advice anyway...and it sounded GOOD!)

I did pretty well getting to my bike and getting my stuff on. I did jog to the bike and with the bike out of transition.

The problem always is...I still CAN'T get clipped in FAST. Sometimes I get lucky and sometimes not. Today was a "not". I mean I clipped in eventually, but after I was off and cycling already.

The ride went okay but I was highly annoyed because my bike computer didn't work and I wasn't about to stop to try and fix it. I didn't particularly like not knowing my speed. I, of course, was passed by many many many racers. I think I passed one person early on. Later on the ride, I passed a couple of folks and then when I slowed to drink...they passed me up again. I had a close encounter with an SUV that saw me coming and chose to pull out right as I neared...then once he came into my path...he slowed down...I braked...and then we were almost side by side...finally he went on...and I was glad there were no collisions. Towards the end of the course as I was entering an intersection, the cop had his back to me and was letting a car through the intersection and almost let another through (which would have been a left turn IN FRONT OF ME)...I had to hit the brakes and pray...but made it through to the otherside. Other than those two incidents, the ride was pretty nice.

Make sure my computer is working BEFORE I set up my transition area.

I had some difficulty in this transition! When I went to rack my bike, I knocked Jeanette's bike off the rack. (SORRY JEANETTE!) So while holding my bike, I had to re-rack Jeanette's bike then rack mine. It was not an easy task!

Try not to be a KLUTZ with racking the bike! LOL

I walked more of the run that I had planned or that I would have liked. I was just tired. I ran through and out of transition onto the course...then I walked...I ran/walked the rest of the course. The only part of the run that I was particularly PROUD of...was the finish...I ran as fast as I could and actually AMAZED myself! (I actually heard some guys say...wow...look at her go...which made me smile from ear to ear!) (Is this from training and gaining strength??? If so, woohoo!) I need to get up to the "MrsFish" pace!

I just need to increase my stamina and speed. MORE TRAINING! (Hey
Ana...we need to kick it up a notch!)

I did NOT stretch afterwards - I need to remember NEXT time!


I met my race goal of total time less than 2 hours but I did not get enough rest the week/days leading into the race.


I have to use this spot to CONGRATULATE MrsFish (Bonnie) for coming in SECOND PLACE in her group!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so PROUD of her...she is so awesome (and one of my Tri Idols)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!