Whoa!!!!! Has everyone seen the Cliff Bar commercial(google youtube and cliff bar)? I don't think it's funny anymore. When I finally got into my groove and saw the sunrise over my right shoulder every other stroke I felt......nauseous! That's right, I spent the whole swim wanting to puke. I had to breast stroke for about 45 sec just to get my stomach under control. And although I caught up with a few of the 50+ men in the wave ahead, it didn't help me over come the panic I felt at being swum(?) over by the wave behind me. I was sure at one point I had been swimming for at least 30 minutes.

I need a swim coach. I did alot of training that did pay off (after all that my time was still the mean for the women) but I don't think I mentally prepared for managing my adrenaline. Also needed to line up with the left of the buoy--everyone like myself that got caught close to the docks didn't get the full benefit of the current.

Practicing the transition did help alot. Socks and shoes went on without a hitch. I got about a third of the gel bottle down.

No more bike gloves. The course was open enough and my hands were in the aerobars most of the time anyway. I am going to practice jumping on my bike more too.

Ok, it was all worth it to be able to smoke the ride! I passed so many people I was afraid I'd get docked for blocking. The ride felt so good--I know I could have pushed it harder but I was averaging 20-22 mph in the little chain ring and it felt sooo good that I didn't want to waste my legs for the run. I didn't get off as smoothly as I could have, but I'm happy.

Maybe push a little harder, possibly go ahead and get into the big ring. Practice getting off bike better.

Lost at least a minute and half because I forgot my race belt! I got down another third of the gel.

Although I did those dress rehearsals, I changed the order of the race belt (I thought you had to have it on on the bike) at the last minute. Not only am I going to practice more next time but I'll stick the belt in my shoe so I can't forget it. Again, I'm losing the riding gloves..could cut down time without them.

I actually had to walk for about 30sec in the first few minutes to get my stomach under control again. I'm not sure why I kept wanting to puke. Anyway, even with the race belt disaster and the walking, I still ran an average of 8.26, which I am ecstatic about. Considering the 5k that I ran last year at this time was nearly 34 minutes, I am proud of how far I've come!

Figure out how not to be nauseous

Walked around


NAUSEA!


Will probably do this one again next year...the course is just right and the race was really well organized. The swim leg, though, I have to admit is just a little daunting for a first triathlon. Swim more, Swim more, Swim more!!!