I started out fine, even planned to flip at the wall when the guy behind me tapped my toes. Per instructions, we pass at the wall. When we got to the wall not one but two guys flipped trying to pass me and each other. So there were three of us at the wall. I had feet in the face and got water in my goggles and it upset me.

For the next two laps I swam head up breaststroke watching those coming up behind me, coming toward me, and in the adjacent lanes. I tried to make myself as small as possible and apologized when bumped but I should save my breath. Before long, I was ready to pass someone but was really hesitant to try. After I regained my composure, I backstroked - seeing how Coach Sue says its my best stroke - to just about the end. There were people walking in the poo. The RD warned it was a bit of a um messy experience. Sheesh. It was.

Other people had good experiences, esp those who got to start after the RD let the wave clear out,

Seed myself slower? Get goggles with better peripheral vision. Get to be a better swimmer. Get more experience. Be less polite, and don't expect politeness.

On the bright side: my greatest fear today was that I would get kicked in the face, get my goggles knocked off and loose a contact lens. Well, it almost happened, but it didn't, and it all wasn't too bad after all.

Seems fine to me!

Must have been fun cause I was singing songs by The Pretenders as I rode. Pretty parts of the course - horse farms, sheep, not too much roadkill. No traffic!

What's with all those dudes that do not call "on your left" ?? I did notice - women are much more inclined to call out when passing. Of course I was passed a couple dozen times so I know of which I speak. And yes, I did pass people too - esp on the hills. I love hills!

Ride a faster bike. Oh, and those cages do not hold my shoes in there. After three strokes I can slip my foot out no matter how tight I make the thing.

I tucked a baggie with ice into my swim suit top. It bounced and sloshed but it kept me cool.

People were calling out supportive comments to each other. It was fun. 1st mile sucked big time and I was real down on myself. It hurt! I alternated walk and run.

Eventually paired up with Steady Eddy as I called him - # 274. He just kept on jogging real slow and steady and I would pass him and then he would pass me when I walked the uphills. From mile 1 to the end.

I always save up for a spint to the finish. So does he! We were just not going to let the other win so - we finished the race holding hands! Photo finish! Can't wait for that picture!

Run faster!

I guess I need more brickwork.

Walked and walked. Iced right knee (and left a little) for an hour - 2 hours off and on. Neither hurt, to my surprise, or showed much inflammation, but given the pounding they took I expect they needed it.


Cluelessness

Editted a year later to add: despite cluelessness I podiumed on this! I was 3rd in my AG. Never placed before in any kind of race. And guess what - I like it!


Sorry my rankings are not very meaningful as I have so little experience. Volunteers were plentiful and nice - I made sure to thank everyone on the course that I passed. And spectators! Love spectators that yell and applaud. Anyway, there was pizza and fresh fruit, massages, activities for the kids. I recommend it especially for newbies.