I was not happy with my swim at all. Initially, things were great. I was swimming at the pace I wanted, passing people, and not freaking out when I got hit - even took a hard shot in the face. I was squarely in the middle of the pack and not feeling any arm or leg fatigue. But, then the wetsuit interferred with my breathing. I was about 100 m from the turn and could not catch my breath. I tried slowing down, rolling over and taking a few breaths, etc., and couldn't get enough oxygen in. I actually considered stripping the wetsuit right there to finish the swim. It wasn't mine, so I had to stop and hang onto a surfboard. I made it to the turn and had to stop again. From there, I made it in.

Not wear a wetsuit. I knew this could be an issue, but wanted the extra flotation.

When I first got out of the water, I had to walk to catch my breath. Then, I was able to finish the 100 yd or so run into T1. Everything in T1 went well. Had some trouble getting my feet into my shoes on the bike. I'd praticed it, but it didn't go very smoothly.

Nothing. Wish I could have sprinted from the swim to T1

The bike ride was great. I could have pushed a little harder going out, but was still recovering from the swim. I had one gel at 2 miles and one at 10 miles. It was fun to ride on the seawall and watch the waves breaking. I passed a lot of people, and got passed by quite a few - mainly people on better bikes than mine (i.e. aerobars, tri bikes, etc).

I never got onto the big chain ring going out. I felt like I was comfortably pushing, but I could have gone a little harder / faster.

My T2 was great. I got stuck behind another racer coming in, so that slowed me down a little. I also had to put socks on because my shoes give me blisters. I had a little trouble with my socks, or else I'd have been even faster.

I want new shoes so I don't have to wear socks. Other than that, I was quite happy. I blew past several people in T2

I am not a runner! I felt tight coming off the bike, but was able to push through. I loosened up around 3/4 - 1 mile. My heart rate was soaring, so I knew lasting at the pace I was going was going to be tough. I tried to slow down, but could not get my heart rate to come down. When I reached the mile 2 aid station, I walked a few steps to bring my HR down. I had to walk again down one of the "hills" because I was not feeling well. I rounded a corner with another guy and saw the rain coming across the gulf, so we picked it up a little at that point. The skys opened up with less than 1/2 mile to the finish. I crossed the finish running and soaking wet.

Not much. I obviously wish I could run faster, but in my first triathlon last season, my run was at a 13+ pace, so was pretty happy with then end result. I need to put more miles in.

I had convinced several of my neighors to race. So I stood out in the rain for another 25 minutes waiting for them to come in so I could cheer them on. So no real warm down -- just freezing!


My swim and current skill level. :-)


This was an outstanding race and a must do for next year. It was only my 2nd race. My first was the same distance and an easier course, and I cut 19 minutes off my time. I was thrilled with that. I'd hoped to go faster (sub 1:30) and would have if not for my swim challenges. I did get to meet some great people, including the BT guys, so that was fun. Always wishing I could meet more.