I did the breast stroke for almost the entire time - used freestyle to start off, and then switched to breast stroke. This was perfectly acceptable to me.
I stayed a bit wide on the course so as to not be run over by men in wetsuits... Only encountered a few rude men, whom I firmly nudged to keep them from completely swimming over me, or kick me as they went past.

Stay free of injuries so that I can spend more time in the pool. Get stronger with the breast stroke - I kind of like using this - heck, the Olympic swimmers can move pretty darn fast with the breast stroke - why can't I?

I was a bit wobbly, so I needed to sit down in the transition area to put on my shoes...


Body glide or vaseline on my feet to help with friction.
Be more steady on my feet so that I do not need to sit down to put on shoes.

I thought that small chunks of salted nut roll would be a good post swim snack... found out that I needed to stick with my Hammer gels as the solid food was just not working. No GI issues, just awareness that my body could only handle "liquids".

I need to incorporate a LOT of hill work into my training before my next race.

Carried my own water/electrolyte mix. Had a gel at the beginning of the second lap. Digestion was comfortable, and energy was great.

Run more / walk less. Considering that I have trained very little in the past weeks because of my back, I am satisfied.

Walking, stretching
I was a bit wobbly and lightheaded after completing the race. I am certain that being able to train more prior to the next race will help my stamina immensely.


Recovering from injury that inhibited my ability to train as I planned to train


This was my first year as a participant, having volunteered for it each of the past three years.
I will be racing it, again, next year!
Photos:
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/photos/show-album.asp?...