I didn't train for the tri at all. I had planned to over the summer but I had stitches in my foot in June and bronchitis in July and August so this was the hardest part for me. I didn't think it would ever end! I panicked in the beginning and needed to grab onto the lifeguards surfboard to catch my breath. I read that could happen but I wasn't expecting it. So that set the whole pace for the rest of the swim. I had to do the desperation stroke way too much! Every now and then I'd just roll over and float and kick with my legs and pray to reach the shore! And what sucked is I knew I really needed all of my leg strength for the rest of the tri. I had no problems navigating and getting around the buoys however, so at least I did something right! LOL

I WOULD DO SOME SERIOUS SWIM TRAINING!!! Next season I will definitely prepare more. I'd like to get a swim coach.

Getting the suit off was fairly easy. I had expected that to be harder. This was my first time wearing it and again, I didn't know what to expect. I did set up the transition really well though. I had a hand towel laid out with my sneaks (with my Yankz thanks to these boards!), socks in my sneaks, water to rinse my feet and my shirt. So the wetsuit came off, feet were rinsed, sneaks on, shirt on, camelback on and then I realized that a piece had popped off my race belt. So I had to get my safety pins out and put that all back together and then I was good to go. I put my gloves on as I was leaving the transition area.

Put my safety pins out on the towel beforehand!!!!

Biking is my strength out of all three but the swim really killed me. I averaged 18 miles on the way out but the headwinds were brutal. Did I say brutal? I meant, BRUTAL!!! My legs were hurtin' from the swim and as much as I willed it I couldn't get past 10mph on the way back. That's ok though because I was getting closer to finshing and calling myself a TRIATHLETE!

Not much.

This went nice and smooth. Had my helmet off as I walked through the transition so all I had to do was rack my bike, slip off my camelbak and go. Much nicer than T1.

Already have my camelbak off one shoulder so I'm not wasting time wriggling it off!

Did I mention that I didn't train for this at all and I'm not a runner? I'm more of a run a little bit and walk a little bit person. All I wanted to do was finish so it didn't matter to me what my time was on the run. Plus, I met some very nice people along the way. :)

Run more.

Stretched some.


No training.


I truly enjoyed this race. Being a beginner I was so comfortable and didn't feel any intimidation. The support was great and I hope to train this coming year for next season.
My time may not have been very good but I FINISHED and I had a great time and that's all I set out to do. I can now call myself a TRIATHLETE!!!