Being new to the mass swim, I was told by everyone and all internet comments to start to the outside rear, so I did. I was so excited that I went out too hard and at the first bouy was near the front of the pack. The cold water and my initial sprint took it;s toll on my breathing, so I slowed down and concentrated on not running over other swimmers. I apologize to the other swimmers if I climbed on top, but I have been a swimmer and water polo player since very young.

The swim ended at a dock, with only two ladders to get out, so everyone had to wait for a turn to get up. That meant treading water and waiting in line. In addition, the first rung of the ladder was way up high, so it was nearly impossible to pull yourself up (with tire arms). Good thing a volunteer was there to lend a hand to everyone

Start at the front of the pack next time, and not go out so fast.

The directions from Tri friends and the internet all suggested keeping cap and goggles on from swim to ti T1 in order keep hands free to undo wet suit. Being Myoptic, I had to get my glasses from wifey (watching from sidelines) and couldn't put them on with the cap and goggles still on my head, so I had a hard time running to T1, walked instead. Also walked on dock due to being very slippery.

I had put candle wax on my wet suit zipper as during practice it was hard. This worked well but still needed so help at T1 to get it started.

Mucho trouble getting wet suit off eventhough I had practiced several times. I had to sit down on the floor and peel it off. I took my time and made sure I had everything on right for the ride.

Get the cap and goggles off and get my glasses on so I can run to T1. Lube better to get suit off faster.

I have only ridden six or seven times so I was really unprepared for the hills. On top of that while I decide if this is for me, I am using an older Raleigh 10 speed which leaves alot to be desired when climbing.

Coming out of T1, I was frustrated with my T1 problems and as I mounted the bike, the sidewalk was grooved, the crowd was cheering, and I was tired...you guessed it, I went off the edge of the walk and fell sideways in the dirt. Cut the back of my calf, but jumped up made a joke and got back in the saddle with the crowd yelling...water bottle water bottle. I had to stop and run back for my water bottle. Got back on and off I went a little flustered but determined.

Concentrate more on controlling the bike, Make sure I am on and secure before trying to get going

Much more in line with everyone else in the race, and much more pleasant for me. Not wearing bike shoes yet so no change needed there. Off with helmet and gloves, on with hat, number belt, qucik drink and grab a small water bottle to drink and hold which helps me relax. Off I went

run bike in instead of walking

My legs were very tired due to the older, heavier 10 speed Raleigh bike I was using. The biking up hills were very hard and very zapping for me. I had run a 5K (my first ever run) the weekend before as an intro and to see what it was like. I was all alone so had no one to pace me, so I just set a cadence for myself and tried to maintain it.

I still have to learn how to drink while continuing to run instead of walking. As long as I am using the 10 speed the hills will kill my legs. More biking, more biking more biking I guess, so I have legs for the run.

Crossed the finish line leaving room between the guys in front of me for a photo op with hands in the air. Yea!!! Walked a few steps and then sat down and put down two little bottles of water. Walked up hill to transition area, cleaned up area, packed up and walked to car. Not hungry, just beat.


older heavy 10 speed Raleigh bike
Didn't put my glasses on after the swim so hard time running to T1
Wet suit hard to come off, need more practice
Start swim more at the front of pack instead of back and outside


The only two complaints are the lack of signage directing us to check in areas, and transition areas. Everyone was asking everyone else where to go.

The exit from the swim was terrible. Two ladders onto a dock meant that swimmers had to wait to get out. The first ladder rung was too high, so it was extremely difficult to get tired arms to pull you up and out.