i didn't hear the horn because there were dogs barking on shore and that distracted me. i just started when the girls in front of me did. i gulped a mouthful of water four strokes in and choked for a bit, and then i couldn't get my act together. it was very crowded around me and i had trouble passing people and getting into a rhythm. after the first two buoys i got it together and really pushed myself for the last 350 or so. overall, though, this was my worst swim ever.

not allow myself to freak out and give myself the "get you s@#t together" pep talk earlier in the swim.

my t1 went pretty well. i left shoes by the shore to wear up to the transition area, but i just carried them up. i stepped on a rock and have a huge bruise on the bottom of my foot, which explains the pain during the run. i had no problems getting my shoes and helmet on and i took a half a pack of gu.

nothing.

my drinking amount was not enough because i dropped my one and only water bottle at .9miles (yes, that's point 9, not 9 miles). needless to say, i was a little thirsty and cursing a lot. i used a rented bike because mine was not in yet and i had trouble with the small front gear (technical term). i almost didn't make it up the first hill because of it, but once i settled in, i did fine. my bike pace was much better than usual and i really didn't feel like i struggled except for the first hill.

not drop my water and bring an extra bottle just in case!!

t2 went fine. i took the other half of the gu and drank some water (finally). i think i stopped for a few seconds to talk to kelly.

not talk to people during transitions!

i started the run and ran into some friends who wanted to take a picture. in my daze, i stopped to pose, which drew laughter from the spectators. the first 1/2 mile was a little tough and i walked a few times, but then i settled in and ran for the rest of it. i took some water and some gatorade and that appeared to help. i came across the finish line in a blaze of glory which makes me think that i could have given a little more during the entire run. now that i see my time i know i could have.

run faster and not hold back so much.

i stood around and talked, ate an orange and drank a water.


horrible swim and sub-par run.


i had lots of friends there cheering me on and that kept me motivated. i think i did pretty well for my first race!

ahhhh. that feels better. i was able to amend my race report due to the distances being off!