This was fabulous for me! It has been such a long uphill battle with swimming that I was just so happy to feel as great as I did. For my second lake swim, and having panicked and back stroked charlottesville in July, this was nothing short of victory for me. I freestyled the whole way, felt calm, and actually enjoyed it. I even recovered nicely after being CLOCKED by a huge guy. I thought he actually just aimed and punched me in the face. goggles when flying. i had no idea what hit me. i thought i broke my nose. i never really pushed myself to go fast the whole time. i was really just concentrating on keep my exertion level controlled so I could finish. I was just VERY VERY happy with this.

Now that I know I can do it, go faster!

I was also happy with this. My transition spot was HORRIBLE, but who cares unless you're competing to win. This is a strange transition because you have to pack all of your stuff in a bag they give you so they can take it to the second transition spot. But given my spot, taking off a wet suit, and then bagging everything, I was actually happy with how smoothly it went.

Felt a little shaky at the beginning, but I settled down and found a good pace. Definitely slowed down on the uphills on the third lap.

i need to focus the off season on strength training, and getting stronger so i can come out swinging in the spring.

Fine

Pay attention that my speed laces aren't too tight.

Well obviously this is my strongest point from a numbers standpoint, but I was comfortable the whole time. I got a little crampy around mile 3, but then I just took the pace down a little until I got better.

it was also nice to see ryan heading back on my way out.

I am definitely going to do interval training to work on speed. right now all my training is distance training. i think i could take it to a whole new level with speed intervals.

nothing. walked around and talked about the race


a different body and more training


This race doesn't give medals, but they have fabulous goodie bags. we got a nice shell jacket, hat and socks.

I would have also appreciated it if the bike course were a little wider. things felt a little cramped.

Overall I was thrilled with this race. I never would have believed that I could get this time in first year of triathlon and only my second oly. I was absolutely shocked when i crossed the finished line and looked at my watch. ...and even more shocked when ryan noticed that i had to stick around to pick up an age group award. totally totally unbelievable!
all and all I will definitely do this again. it's right in my back yard. it also has a special place in my heart because it is my first age group win. YAY! hopefully more to come.