some drift between lengths, participants would swim head-on into each other being in pool. This was a last minute entry for me, my 1st event ever, I performed about as normal as I do during my training (which has only been 4 weeks never having swam for exercise previously, I am slow, for now!). I think I was 3rd from last out of the pool (ahh!!)

start my HRM watch now vs. in T1 (even though I didn't wear my chest strap as it slides off in pool swims when pushing off sides). Perform more bilateral breathing, something I'm still learning & not used to yet.

no crazy hurry, 1st event, I'm just trying to finish, didn't use a wetsuit (pool swim), new bike and still waiting on clipless shoe/pedal order so I had regular pedals and my running shoes. No problems in T1. I was surprised to see my HR at 160bpm since I'm usually in the high 120's during my swim training (I wouldn't expect the 30yd run to T1 from the pool to bump me too much but I'm much too new to know any better too).

maybe learn to wear shoes w/out socks? (putting those on slows you down of course)

I was worried about my HR being in the 160's for this section but only as a comparison to my runs (where I'm usually in the high 140's) and felt somewhat winded and didn't want to signifiantly underperform (this is my 2nd ride on a new bike as I haven't owned a road bike in 20yrs and don't know my HR for riding yet). But the ride felt good, I'm not quite comfortable on the bike yet but that will come with riding/training time and any adjustments as necessary. I did get to pass a few people.

push harder maybe? I think I may have worried about my HR but for such a short distance event and my 'newness' I think I overworried? I also didn't feel comfortable drinking much due to being somewhat out of breath so I would make sure I was better hydrated especially since it was a hot & humid morning (& not too early either as the race didn't start till 9am)

no need to change shoes, T2 was simple and smooth, put on visor to help keep sweat out of my eyes and left sunglasses on

nothing, it was simply/easy so it went well

HR was still at 160 when starting the run. I grabbed a cup of water but should have had 2, one to pour on my head. My calves are always a bit stiff when starting my training runs and this held true today too. I ran slow w/ short steps on purpose, I felt warm (it was sunny & hot!) and wanted to lower my HR. I got it down to 157bpm but felt like I was scacrificing speed to do so (short distance might mean no big deal so I think I was applying race ideas from 'regular' events to this but again, I'll chalk it up to newbie-ness). After about 5min my legs felt better and I picked up slightly. I only passed one guy but he was doing walk/run intervals at this point. By comparison, I picked up my pace for the last 1/4 mile from a slow jog to a run.

Drink more, maybe carry a water bottle? Push myself a bit more too as I could have handled it and the race was short so again I was a bit too focused on the HR thing.

walked around for 5-10min, drank a lovely chilled 32oz Gatorade, then some protein drink I bought (forgot to strech, duh).


I've only been running 7 weeks, swimming 4 and had no bike training, I'm also about 50-60lbs overweight and a possible overfocus on my HR on such a short course event.


I rate myself 'avg' in categories based on my current condition and not potential or compared to others [then I would definitely be 'below avg' or 'bad' -ha! :] My time for all events is approx. as I'll be mailed my results and can hopefully change this info then?