Again, no swim warmup. It was just too cold because we didn't have wetsuits. At the start, all the women were asking us "Um, are you gals going to be OK?? It's really cold out there!" First 200 was very, very hard. The water was so cold I was hyperventilating! Got kicked a lot, and felt like I was going to drown...where are those kayak's? I didn't stop, though. Had to just keep my head above water until my breathing settled. After the first 200, my body got used to the water and I had a great rest of the swim, passing people and drafting better.

Get a wetsuit!! Santa?

T1 included the 200 or so yard run up from the swim exit.

I wanted to wear a long sleeved shirt on the bike and run because it was so cold outside. Problem was...I couldn't get the shirt on!!! The sleeves kept getting stuck on my wet arms. Eventually got it on, but probably lost a minute with it. Downed a Gu, everything else went smoothly. Forgot to double knot my laces, which untied in the run...oops.

Get a more dri-fit long sleeved shirt that will get on easier.

Pushed hard on the bike (maybe too hard?). Very proud of my time considering how cold it was. Got up to 30 mph!!! Weeee!

My legs started to get very cold. Could feel my calves cramping, but told it to go away!

Maybe take it a little easier, save some muscle for the run.

T2 was funny. The transition area was grassy with lots of holes, so the bike was bouncing up and down. It took all my energy not to start laughing!!! Otherwise was uneventful.

Nada

Run was going well. After 1st lap I was all smiles. Gave a big one to Desi and Brian. Right after I passed them, I got the worst side stitch in the world! I could barely breathe and I started to get light headed and felt like I was going to pass out. I kept on jogging (can we say stubborn?). I practiced my deep breathing exercises from cross-country and it went away in about 1/2 mile. Ended up finishing really strong, but my run time suffered from the brief episode, probably lost 2 minutes. DANG!!!

The run was beautiful, though! Great to have 2 laps so spectators can see you multiple times.

Take it a little easier on the bike. I used too much energy and my legs were shot for the run. Cardiovascularly, I felt pretty good.

Walked to the BBQ and ate!!! Stretched a little, mingled with Brian and Desi and my puppy. Waited around so Steph could pick up here 3rd place AG medal...alright Stephanie!!!!! :-)


Hmm, just need to develop my biking more so it's not so punishing to push myself. Next would have to be lack of a wetsuit in the frigid conditions.


Race went off late, but that was for safety reasons. The race website had terrible directions to the event!!

It was just so cold out there. I didn't dry off the entire time, so I was so cold.. When I finished, my hair was still soaking, as were my tri top and shorts. Brr!!! I woke up sick this morning, guess why?

Better race for me than last time. Still had some hiccups that didn't allow a GREAT race, but it was better. I finished with a bit smile this time around! :-)

Race Photos: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/photos/photo-thumbnail...