I started second of the three of us in the lane and didn't like being so crowded together. Pushing off the wall after the first 25 yards, my goggles leaked a bit of water, so I had to stop after 50 to empty and reseal them. We soon spread out enough to allow each of us to swim at our own pace. I was able to make up my lost time, get past both of my lane mates, and then pass one of them again without too much trouble. I was concerned that I would go out too hard, and while I swam faster than I intended, I was still able to breathe with every third arm for most of the way.

Skip hanging my little towel by the side of the pool. Using it to dry off didn't make much difference, and I got it snagged on a hook and dropped it so I had to go back and pick it up off the floor. I also need to practice my turns/pushing off from the wall.

Wet feet do not like socks. I fumbled around a little bit, but things went about as well as they could. I opted to pass on putting on a long sleeved shirt despite the threat of rain.

Practice more with things laid out outside.

The beginning of the ride was dry, but about two or three miles into the ride I started to feel drops. By about five miles, it was raining pretty seriously. Standing water on the path was kicked up by my front wheel and soaked my feet. With no sleeves, and a newly shaved head under my helmet, until the rain got heavier, each drop felt like a pin poking me. I also didn't put on my sunglasses since it was dark, but I wish I had in order to keep the water out of my eyes. The rain died down a little the last two miles or so.

The wind was around 25 to 35 miles per hour, and the first few miles were pretty difficult and at times I struggled to keep over 15 mph. Turning the corner after the first railroad crossing and even more after I turned onto the trail, I was able to speed up significantly despite the much heavier rain. On the trail I was averaging about 21 mph. Turning back towards the school about half way, the tailwind was great. I was over 25 mph most of the time and was even keeping up high 20s and low 30s for a while without difficulty.

I was able to pass probably 12 to 15 people during the ride. Getting passed by the guy on the tricked out tri-bike was cool... he was flying. Yelling, "You're an animal. You're a f****** animal" "This isn't rain. C'mon give me some real rain" and the like helped me get over any mental issues I had with the conditions.

Don't try to grab a falling water bottle and get it caught in spokes. That hurts a lot. Blood makes shifters/brakes sticky. I probably won't be able to catch the bottle anyway.

More fumbling, but for the most part, not too bad. I was halfway to the exit from my bike when I realized I didn't have my race number on, so I turned around and grabbed that. I wished I hadn't as it probably cost me ten to fifteen seconds.

Forget the belt/number if it isn't required. More transition practice too.

After pushing on the bike, it took a little while to get up to speed, but I was able to go a little faster and a little faster over the first two miles. The last quarter to half mile I was starting to hit the wall and slowed down a bit. A cramp below my ribs didn't help things.

I have like this was my weakest leg of the race even though I was right on target with what I hoped to do. I think dropping to six minute miles is doable. Don't skimp on the running training next time.

Stager about, find the wife, stagger more, get first aid for the finger, shower


I'm sure weather played a factor as it took a while for my legs to warm up and going through all the rain didn't help. Missing three weeks of training due to illness and travel may not have been a big detractor, I probably could have done better with more training.




I was surprised how well I did since I was doubtful I'd be able to meet my goal of 80 minutes before the race. My swim went better than expected, my bike went better than expected and I was pleased with my run. This was a wonderful race to do for my first tri. I think I'm hooked.

I was three seconds from getting a medal in my age group and only about 20 seconds from the place above that. There were so many places I could have saved on time. More practice is needed. I know I can improve.