Didn't know what I was doing there at first, wasn't sure I was going to make it to the first bouy, kicked in the head, swallowing water left and right. But once I cleared the bouy I got into the rhythem I trained for, fell into my goove and smoothly sailed through. Did a little drafting where I could and tried to relax. Towards the end I swam till my arms could touch the bottom. Stood up and focused on T1.

Train in open water more to get more comfortable amongst the algae and floating what-evers! Prepare my goggles better. Used anti fogger but rinsed them in the lake and the dirty grit got in the goggles and I couldn't rinse them out well.

I whizzed out of the wetsuit faster than I practiced!!! Socks and shoes on, helmet and sunglasses on and I was off. I thought I must have forgotten something because I was out of there faster than I expected but no- I was just uber prepared! Under my wetsuit I wore bike shorts, tank and had race belt/number on backwards.

Had my bike shoes un-buckled and un-velcroed for easier entrance! Maybe learn to have shoes already on and put feet in while riding, but that sounds scary.

Felt really comfortable and this was where I realized I was having the time of my life! Felt great even though larger ladies and elite athletes blew past me like I was standing still, but I was doing the best I've ridden to date and I was happy.

More miles on the bike, learn the gears better. Learn to fix a flat in case it happens to me, I saw it happen to a couple people and I got lucky.

Almost racked my bike the wrong way, had to flip it around. Then I realised it didn't matter which way I racked it! First shoe went on great, second, not so great. My hands were shaking from adrenaline and I couldn't get ahold of the tongue so then I just shoved my foot in with a crumple tongue and said screw it. Moved race belt from back to my front while running. Love those elastic laces, they saved me so much time!

Have the shoes prepared better, something with the tongues.

First couple hundred yards I wasn't sure I was going to make it. Didn't know if my legs or my lungs would give out first. After the first super steep hill and found my pace and comfort set in. Had my breathing and stride down to what I know and train at. More hills than I remembered from the practice session. Last leg I felt strong, then I didn't, and with the finish line in sight I felt invincible!

Can't say that I would, exept maybe start running with a fuel belt.

Didn't warm down, too much excitement and hugs and holding Gianna.


Inexperience and not enough time in the saddle. Not strong swimming skills.


Wish they had more body markers, better body markers and more than one drinking station on the run. The one they had was toward the end, and I wished it was earlier in the run.