I wasn't quite on my game for this swim. The mass wave start from an area that was about 12 feet wide was a bit of a deterrant. It took me a long time to get in my groove, then I was drafting this girl who would do breast stroke everytime she sighted, and I'd run into her. I finally got away from her, but those who know me, know I pull to the left, so that was a bit of a problem. I think my time was great, considering I probably swam an extra 400! I also was just not feeling competitive. I even came up to tread, when I'd pass someone from the first two waves, to cheer them on. I call it good swim karma!


I really need to figure out what's wrong with my stroke that I pull so hard left. That would have made this swim easier...but it was fun. I probably needed to train a bit more on the swim this past month.

Did I mention that it was 37F when I got out of the water? My feet were so cold, it was like running on clubs and hurt really bad on the asphalt. I also took the time to change into a dry jersey and put on wool socks. My brain wasn't working so fast on this transition.

Maybe work on my wetsuit earlier and run through the transition in my mind a few more times, especially with the changes I made. I was a bit confused because it wasn't my normal routine.

This was a beautiful course and I was thrilled that I finally got a course that was relatively flat. It was so fricken cold, that I couldn't feel my feet at all the entire ride and my hands cramped around the aerobars. I really didn't feel miserably cold, until I tried to reach back to my pocket for a gel and couldn't crank my body around to do it. It was almost surreal. I felt I rode hard and fast for the conditions...I had to, or I'd freeze.

Bring a long-sleeve jersey with me! I had checked the weather about 2 days earlier and at race time it was supposed to be 55F. I didn't prepare for the cold day.

I'd also drink more. Since I was so cold, I didn't think about drinking and maybe took 2 sips the entire ride.

My hands were so numb and cramped that I literally (not exaggerating) could not tie my shoes. They were like little frozen claws and I just couldn't get the signals from my brain to my fingers. I ended up stuffing the ends into the sides of my shoes. Guess I should have used my yanks!

I think I was mildly hypothermic again...I just couldn't clear my brain and think rationally.
Forgot my shotblocks, too.

Use my yanks.

This was a stunning run.I really enjoyed it. I once again got passed by a lot, but also passed some...which is a first for me. I could not feel my feet for the first 14:00. I actually think my first mile took about that long. I then kicked it in and my last mile was actually an 8:15 mile. I'm not sure what the others were, but I felt strong the last 2 miles.

They had Clifshots at both aid stations, which was great. I took about 2 swigs of one at each station and then flushed it down with water.

Do more bricks...try to run faster through the club feet feeling...they're numb anyways...it's not like it's gonna be painful.

Once again, my 3-yr-old ran the finish with me. She's awesome and it's such a great self-esteem booster for her. Who cares if I lose a few seconds on the last 20 yds, it's worth it to see her smile! I also have an ulterior motive...when you finish with a toddler, people cheer a lot more! :)

Gatorade, found a sweatshirt real quick, ate some of the bad post race food.


Definately the cold and my transitions. I was not prepared for the weather. My swim also sucked pretty bad, considering I used to swim in college. I'm actually embarrassed by my swim time.


Despite the cold and bad post-race food, I'd do it again next year. The locale was spectacular, the competitors were friendly and I had so much fun. I think that's going to be my triathlon role as a competitor...the one who has a great time every race, no matter what my performance is.