Incredibly smooth water. I was a little nervous, as this my first open-water swim of this distance. Navigation was a little rough, and I lost my bearings for a second at the turnaround. Contact was minimal, and someone actually apologized for bumping into me. Nice people! I had to pause every now and then to restore a little energy.

I was perhaps a little overcautious in the name of perservering through the swim, and I probably should have just kept my head down and soldiered forward rather than take it easy and just try to get through it. Still, I was pretty pleased with my first effort, overall.

I was thoroughly disoriented running into the transition area and trying to remember what I was doing. I figured it out out -- albeit a little slowly.

Worn my tri top underneath my wetsuit to ensure a faster transition.

Pretty good, overall. This was right in line with my pace, and I didn't go any faster or slower than I am used to. Started slow, but I don't think that hurt me in the end. Rough roads here and there. The course was absolutely beautiful, and a lot of fun to ride through, check out the foliage and the palatial estates lining the backroads.

Nothing.

I thought this was a pretty quick transition. Race laces are fantastic. I forgot my gel, though.

Pack my gels better.

Running negative splits, more or less, (didn't officially time it) but I think I slowed down in the last mile. I was pretty fatigued by that point, and it was getting hot. The last 200m SUCKED, as it was this obstacle course winding through a park with poor trail conditions.

Maybe start a tiny bit slower, and pick up the pace a little more with less than two miles to go.

Lots of oranges, a banana, some water, and part of a bagel with peanut butter. So good. I love you, peanut butter. You are my friend. I also stretched out, walked around a lot, did some downward dogs.


Nothing, really. As this was my first Olympic tri, I had nothing to compare it to. I think the worst thing I did was drink a little too much water before the race, but I never had to go to the restroom (although I thought about it during the swim).


Woo-hoo! I'm done! I didn't drown! What's next...