I was the 121st starter, but thankfully there was a 2 minute break after number 119. I passed number 120, and had wide open lanes for the rest of the swim.

I felt like I was going pretty fast, but compared to other's times, it was really slow. Also, I forgot to put on my gloves. Normally, if it's warm enough I don't wear gloves anyway, but it would have been nice to have them in that cold/wet weather.

I'd like to get some tri shoes, so I don't have to worry about tying them. Plus, I imagine they will by lighter and more aerodynamic than my mtn bike shoes.

I felt really good on the bike. I must have passed about 20 people, and I got passed by 1. Looking back, I think I should have actually taken it even harder. One bad thing was I couldn't read my computer. I put saran wrap over it with a rubber band, and it was so wet, I couldn't read it. It would have been helpful to see my cadence.

I think next time I will step up my effort on the bike just a smidge.

I did horrible on this. I've done this transition tons of times when I do bricks, but this one was the worst. I fumbled forever with the buckle on my race belt, trying to get it buckled. Part of the problem was that my fingers were really cold and numb, but the main thing was that I attached the number to the belt backwards. So, when I put the belt on, the buckle was facing inward instead of out.

Next time, I will make sure I put the number on the belt correctly. Also, I think I will buckle the belt in front, and then twist the number around to the front, rather than trying to do the buckle behind my back.

I felt pretty good on the run until the last hill where I got a side stitch. I haven't gotten a side stitch in a long time.

I normally don't get side stitches, so it's hard to say what I'd do differently to prevent it. I think maybe I shouldn't have eaten the banana and yogurt before the race. Normally, I don't eat anything before my morning workouts.

Stretched a little bit, then jogged from the race finish back to the TA.


Being a newbie. I think now that I've gotten some experience, it will help in the next race.


Apart from the weather, this was a very good race! The volunteers were awesome, and there were tons of them. I'm looking forward to doing it again.