I was the most nervous about this event. My expectations of what the start would be like and how I would feel out there (not really in the middle but) in the middle of the bay were way different than reality. I felt good the entire way..wasn't nervous about any of the above. Just got in and got comfortable with my stroke and the water. The first yellow bouy came pretty quick and I was feeling good about that. Thinking the second one would be here soon, but it wasn't. I just kept my head down and tried to not think about all the light blue caps passing me..as they were from the wave behind me. Finally making it to the second yellow bouy I was getting excited. I'm going to do this..and with no panic and no stress like I thought. All I could think about at this point was I just need my bike. I was really glad to see the stairs. Now, I could have gone faster but this is what your first is all about. I probablly ended up swimming 100 or so meters more because I couldn't keep myself in a straight line. This is the only frustrating part of my swim, well that and I had to pee the whole time. I tried to relax enough to pee in the water but I couldn't. Definitely need to work on that. My goal was between 40 and 42 minutes..I'm not the strongest swimmer just yet.

Push myself. I allowed myself to get too comfortable instead of really racing the course. Also, try to stay closer to the bouies(sp).

I had to pee the entire swim but couldn't relax in the water. So I decided to sit on the grass and wait until I could pee. So, I'm sitting there tring to pee and it just won't come out. Eventually (like a minute later) I peed a little and just decided that would have to be good enough. Or I would try to go on the bike :) I know, all these details are great. So I took my wetsuit off my ankles and put on my socks and shoes and was out. But walking because someone gave me the wrong information. They told me I had to walk my bike or I would be DQ'd for running. Now I know different.

Run out of transition. Learn to pee in motion.

The first 10 miles were amazing. I was passing people and feeling great. My legs felt strong and my speed was definitely fast. This is where I should have gu'd. Around mile 11 my stomach started to feel weird and bad but I was able to keep my speed and I figured it would go away soon. Well it just got worse as time went on and eventually it was all I could think about. My thoughts were now on my run as it hurt to be in aero..so I would take small breaks sitting up. Which didn't help my time or my efficiency. I saw Kate out on the course around mile 13 or so and that gave me a mental boost. She looked strong and was happy to see me too. I could feel myself slowing a little so I would pick a biker in front of me and would work to catch them and did this through the finish. The last 4 miles or so were into a headwind and this slowed me down more. By this point all my focus was on the run and how I was going to get through it. I should have gu'd at this point too.

GU GU GU. Looking back it seems so clear. I hadn't taken any nutrition since before the swim except for the Heed I drank on the bike. I thought it would make my stomach worse but it probably would have helped.

Again, walked with bike because I was told I would be DQ'd for running. Other than that the transition went smoothly. Shoes were off and on quick and the bike went on the rack easily.

RUN to rack.

I knew this wasn't going to feel good when I was on the bike. Took off out of transition and saw RT for a quick high five and a mental boost. I actually felt okay for about 2 minutes and I thought oh maybe my stomach is going to be okay. Oh how I was wrong. Less than a mile into the run I decided to stop and pee, which I had been holding for a while. Waited in line..all in all this stop probably took a good 4 minutes but I thought it would relive some of the pressure I was feeling in my stomach. No such luck. The pain was so bad I was in tears at certain points of my run and also from the dissapointment of not being able to really race this event. I just told myself I had to keep going and moved one foot in front of the other. I stopped at all water stops and drank a water and a gatorade and poured a water over my head. I was dehydrated. I was mentally beating myself. Not a proud moment for me when I started to stop and walk at the last 3 water stops. By mile 5 my stomach started to feel better so I picked up my pace to a strong finish. I did what I could with what I had. I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed in my run. I gave up in a way and that is completely unlike me. I felt horrible, yes, but I could have done a couple things differently. So exciting to see RT and Rivi at the finish to celebrate.

Hydration and nutrion. I should have gu'd on the bike and drank more despite my sour stomach. By the time I started my run I was completly depleted. Not give in mentally. Try and figure out a way to pee while in motion. I can't stop during races. Period.

Food and lots of water. Walked to the car which was by the swim start and exploded a can of diet coke on some racers on the way :) always looking to make new friends. heh.


hydration, nutrion, my head. My training was where it needed to be for this race.


This was a huge learning experience. Hind sight is always 20/20. There are definitely things I would and will do differently now having my first race under my belt. It can only improve from here on out.