Well, part of my prayer was answered, I didn't drown. And therein lies the best part of my swim... I also prayed that I wouldn't be last... Seriously, I headed out, determined to take my time and focus on controlled breathing and a strong stroke. I did that until the 1st bouy about 50-75 yards out, then everybody bunched up, it got crowded and I lost all my rhythm and momentum. The waves were strong and I just couldn't get it together. Soooo, once again, I flipped onto my back and started backstroking. The problem was, I couldn't get my breathing under control and so with a wide open mouth and waves washing over me at regular intervals I was sucking in lots of air and lots of water. I hated every minute of the swim and it seemed it would never end. I was getting passed left and right and every now and then I needed to flip over to make sure I wasn't swimming across the river instead of down the river! Eventually I got passed by everyone and I mean everyone. I was the last out of the water, although I think I passed the timing mat before others who got out of the water first.

Either really work on my open water skills or perfect my backstroke! I'm thinking I'm gonna be spending alot of time in the open water this summer.

My run from the beach to transition was a bit slow, because I was so worn out, but I was able to slide my suit of with no problem and had move through t1 with no problems. I went sockless for the first time and I think it definetly helped my time and I didn't mind the sockless feeling at all.

Have a better swim, so I can run faster!

I had a good time on the bike. This was my first race on the new bike and I was really pleased. I worked really hard to catch up to anybody who also might be in the race. There was one guy ahead of my by about a 100 yards, the whole time. I never did catch him, but I did catch up to a group of riders by mile 5 and had passed most of them by mile 7. I was really proud of myself on this leg of the race.

nothing

Helmut off, gloves off, racked the bike, cap and sunglasses on as I ran out. This was when I really felt the saltwater in my belly and was sure I would vomit somewhere along the route.

nothing

The saltwater I ingested seriously affected my run. It was the first time I wondered if I'd make it through to the finish line. I started VERY, VERY SLOW and didn't get much faster than SLOW, but I did get into a nice rhythm and I never puked.

not swallow river water!!!

Gathered up my stuff and headed out. I honestly was feeling to emotional to hang out and visit with friends, so just headed home.


The swim


I think to race was very well run and it stared on time, so that was really nice. There was a lack of water stations I thought. The first one had no water, only ice, I guess they'd run out and the other was 2 miles in in the run. Otherwise it was one I would do again.