I was gasping for air for about the first 1/4 and tried to do a forward crawl but it just wasn't happening. After the first bit it thinned out and got better, but I definitely need some practice!

Do a lot of open water swims while training. I'll probably take a swim course over the winter too.

T1 went pretty good, but I wasn't thinking that I'd be running across so much asphalt! What would you do if it was really hot out?

Probably eat something. I opted not to because I was worried about getting nauseous later on.

Good bike, except for the icky headwind for most of the 2-loop course. I thought it was just me being tired since the leaves on the trees weren't really moving, but then someone next to me remarked about it. I felt better after that :)


Probably do more long rides while training. I'd like to get clipless pedals one of these days since I don't use my cages at all.

Eat a little something again.

Start of the run was pretty tough, but after the first mile I felt like I was on a normal run and the concrete boot feeling went away. I was able to crank it pretty well at the end and, although I felt a bit vomitous, was happy with it.

Do longer brick workouts. Most of mine were shorter interval-type workouts, so I'd probably do a long one once a week.

Wandered around like everyone else. Got a piece of very tasty bread, and my wonderful physical therapist friend stretched me out so I didn't have to stand in line at the stretchy tent! She's great. I got completely lost trying to find the transition area, but at least it thinned out by the time I got there. Ate two hamburgers after we left and felt great! Can't wait to do an Oly next year!


Umm...I kind of slacked on my training the last couple of weeks, and DEFINITELY didn't spend enough time training for the swim.


Everything was great except for the swim site - it was ok, I just wasn't really expecting that I guess. It was a good choice for a first race, and everyone was very supportive and fun. I understand that whole tri addiction thing now...