Waiting for my wave start was awful. I was nervous, felt panicked, felt constrained and like I was choking in my wetsuit. I was so cold, I was gasping, having trouble breathing fully- hyperventilating? The first 400m or so I remained panicked, thoughts of quitting even entered my mind! I told myself to focus on my rotation and that I would float on my back if my breathing wasn't under control by the first big buoy. All of a sudden, I forgot about my breathing (focused on rotation, drafting off of people who were actually swimming in a straight line) and realized I was swimming well! And fast! Finished in good stead; PRed.

Push harder! I need to have more confidence in my swim. I PRed at 50% effort.

Had the hardest time getting my wetsuit off over my ankle chip!

Wear ankle chip completely under my wetsuit; apply more body glide to outside of suit around ankles.

I pushed hard on the bike, but I'm not sure why I didn't go faster. I know I'm capable of faster, but I'm not sure where I lost time. I remember slowing down in the wind when coming back across the bridge over the river.

Drink more water, aerobars? Not sure.

Stopped bike as I unclipped in front of dismount line. Next time, I might try a rolling dismount. Also, must not pull on running shoe laces too tight, no matter how excited I am.

I definitely passed a lot of people on the hills who were walking. I was hurting badly on the run because I pushed very hard on the bike. Also, I had lots of stomach cramps (was the gel on the bike too much? Did I not drink enough water on the bike?) I felt tired and slow (I know I can run way faster than 8:25's) but I gave 100% effort.

More efficiency on bike (???) so I have a little bit left for the run; I know I can run sub-50:00 10ks. The hills aggravated my IT band, but I can push through the discomfort in a short distance run like this. It got very hot and the humidity was stifling.

Half mile walk from finish line to transition area.


Knee pain (both knees!) made pushing harder on the bike impossible and made my run difficult.


Really enjoyed competing in Alabama. The course was gorgeous-- the river swim was fabulous, my favorite part-- and I look forward to racing again next year.