We started at the landing area of the lake. We waded into the water and waited for a whistle to start. I wasn't too nervous since I had been a swimmer earlier in life and enjoyed the water. This was my first ever open water swim though and I quickly found out how different it was. I tried to start towards the back since this was my first attempt at a triathlon but as there was some confusion at the start I ended up more in the middle. So, not 100m in I got my googles knocked off by another swimmer...treaded some water and got them back on. Once I settled in I felt a lot better, the sighting remained the hardest part for me. I felt like I finished strong and swam a decent time being the first time.

Go for an open water swim before doing it in a race for the first time.

After being a little dizzy coming out of the water, I found the shoes I had left for the climb up a massive hill that was a mixture of pavement and gravel.The hill was probably 300yds straight up so I walked and took my time getting to transition. Felt pretty good about getting my helmet and bike shoes on after I pulled my wetsuit off. Took a couple sips of water before heading out. Right as I was leaving the transition (bike mount) area I didn't get a good enough push to clip my second shoe and fell over...banged up my knee but oh well jumped back on and pushed off harder so that I could clip in.

Not a lot other than get a better push coming out of transition so that I don't fall over again.

Overall I felt like it was a pretty decent ride. I never pushed the pace with it being my first tri and also knowing I had to save a little for the run at the end. The course was pretty hilly at some points with the worst being at about mile 16 coming back into the park. In hindsight I would say I could have pushed it a little more at certain points on the ride.

Need to train more on the bike and definitely longer training rides. I also need to work on my gears and getting into better gears when riding flat or downhill.

Good transition from bike to run. Felt like I did a good job of getting my bike shoes off and running shes on. Grabbed my hat and took off.

Nothing

Out to 1.5 miles and back through Montgomery Bell State Park. Ran by the golf course on a somewhat rolling track, wasn't overly hilly though. Felt like a pretty decent run being at the end of my first tri and considering I had been training mostly at 10/min miles.

Work harder in training to cut my mile/minute. I feel like this is a must to improve finishes.

Walked around a bit and went to meet up with family that came to watch/


Lack of training in the few weeks leading up to the race. Felt like I was on a good track up until a few weeks ago. Still wanted to give it a shot though.


I really enjoyed this race as my first ever triathlon. It was pretty challenging at certain times but also very manageable for a first timer. My goal was to go out and perform as well as I could and really just finish with a somewhat decent time for my first go around. I was pleased in the end and looking forward to my next race.