This was my first open water swim after having competed in only duathlons in the past. My goal was to finish the swim, which I did so I was happy with that. Hey Charles81, I was that guy going as slow as you doing the breast stroke the whole way. I started out freestyle for the first 2 or 3 hundred meters but panicked a little bit and then couldn't really catch my breath. So, I switched over to breast stroke because I didn't want a dnf. Obviously I need to spend a lot more time on my swim training.

Get in more time in the pool.

Transition went pretty well for me. I wanted to be under 3 minutes and I was able to do that. Liberal use of bodyglide on my calves & ankles help immensely with getting the wetsuit off quickly.

The first lap went well and I was happy with my pace. The second loop I was a bit slower than the first. The first loop out I could see a lot of other cyclists and use that as motivation to try and catch them. On the second lap there were fewer cyclists and I don't feel I pushed myself as hard. Overall I was happy with my bike as I was able to make up some of the time from my slow swim time.

Transition went smoothly. I was happy with my time.

I was a little disapointed with my run as my goal was 45 minutes on the run. About the 3 mile mark I started cramping up a bit in my quads and hamstrings. Unfortunately the aid station on the back of the loop ran out of drink cups on my second loop of the course so I had to run 3 miles or so without any hydration. Normally wouldn't have been that big of a deal but it was very hot and humid yesterday and I really could have use something to drink.

A lack of adequate swim training limited my performance in the swim. My bike and run were a bit off of my times from last year. As the season progesses I think I will improve a bit each race. Now I just need to work on that swimming!