It was an experience I hope to never repeat. Mini-mussel WILL be much better. I couldn't get over the fear of sticking my face in the cold water. Everytime I did I just started sucking air as fast as I could, no matter if my face was underwater or not. I swam near vertically till the first buoy. From there to the second was a back float/doggy paddle. The third came quickly with a little actuall swimming, but back to the beach I actually swam. I was so tired my arms felt like they were going to fall off and my face was on fire. My goggles kept on fogging up so I'd have to wipe them every few breathes. My girlfriend said as I got out I didn't look like i was having any fun. She was right. Once I got on the bike though it was easy street, or so I thought.

More OWS swims. Not stop so much and let people get back ahead of me. I started getting into a rythem and I'd catch up to someone, they'd in turn kick me and I'd stop and wait for them to get back ahead of me. Not the most practical approach to a race but I was in survival mode.

Went good. Had no problems with anything. Most likely due to taking my sweet ole' time.

Tried going faster in the TA. I didn't even run my bike out.

After my atempt at swimming I really was in no mood to bike. Then I passed 2 people and saw a guy walking down the road with his fork in his hand. His race was over but mine was just starting. I told myself from the beginning of the bike to take it easy. I really wanted to have a GREAT run. I passed quit a few people and got passed as well by a few. I met a guy from Boston but at 20 mph and water in my ears we had a hard time talking. I really could of gone alot faster and in hind sight I should of.

Actually pedeled hard and drank alot more.

Again I was taking my time, not running. Kept thinking I can't believe this, I'm going to finish and finish strong.

Gone faster

My first mile wsa good. Sub 8' which is ok for me. Then I started having this terrible cramping that felt like it was under the right side of my ribs. I've never felt anyhting like it. I was so excited that my left foot felt good that I picked up the pace then this happened. So I slowed down and got passed. It went away so I sped up. Then it came back. So I slowed. I felt like a Sally on a Sunday stroll. I was really hoping for a 24:00 run but that didn't happen. Thing was is I had a great time though. Not what I wanted as far as performance but it was great to be there.

I'm going to try a few training runs before Mini-Mussle.

A bottle of water a kiss from my girlfriend and some clapping as other people came in.


I lost my mental composure on the swim and never really got it back. Mentally I felt like I was just going through the motions, not pushing myself like I know I can. More active spectating than racing.


As my first Tri its the best race I've done. I had a GREAT time and I'm looking forward to Geneva.