The water temp was great but I was cold waiting to get in. I was last down the ramp and unable to find an opening to hop in so I waited till my wave took off to jump in and take off myself. I also stopped and told my sis to put her goggles on to and wished her good luck after we started. After I got my bearings I began to move ahead. Once I saw a hole I moved forward into it without too much trouble. After rounding the buoys I focused on head down swimming and trusting my direction. I couldn't see the people in front of me until I was right on their feet. I didn't really turn on the speed.

I would get in the water as soon as possible. I would swim head down fast right at the get go and sight after about 200m. I would not hold back swimming on such a short distance, but since this was my first race I was not mentally in the game. My time was slow compared to pool swimming/training times.

I exited the river up a 2X4 ladder and grabbed the hand of someone assisting people out of the water. I sort of jogged/walked up the ramp and continued in that fashion into transition to my bike. I pulled off my cap and swim suit, attempted to dry my muddy feet and couldn't get my socks on. I pulled on my tri/tanktop shirt and put on my helmet but couldn't get my gloves on. Shoes went on easily. Debated bringing my sunglasses and grabbed the chews to eat on the bike. I flipped through my stuff considering other snacks. I looked for my sister coming and then decided to get going. I hobbled out of transition with my cycling shoes on and hopped on my bike where I was instructed to do so.

I would not hang out and look for anyone. I really didn't get that I was racing. I would run into transition, pull off my cap & suit on the way. I may wear easier socks to put on or none and I could wear a looser shirt, easier to pull on. I would also run out and jump on my bike, worry about clipping in down the road.

The bike was fun and the course was great. I did not know where the hill was going to be and I did not have any trouble with it. I was able to pass riding up the hill on both loops. The first loop I was "stuck" behind people on the descent and I learned to pass on the second loop. My chain fell off from poor shifting coming down the last hill on Naito and I had to get off to fix it. I ate some chews on the bike and drink about 20-25oz water. I didn't start treating it like a race till the second loop of the bike course.

I would go faster. I will pass when I can on the descent. I need to practice riding faster and become more comfortable with going fast down hills. I really don't know why I held back besides I was not thinking about this being a race until after I saw my times. Now I am thinking differently about the whole thing. More competitively.

I really started to get in the game after the bike. I was sort of racing by the end of the bike portion and thought I should get my shoes on and run. I had no trouble changing shoes and heading out for the run. I did have to pee and didn't want to stop so I left without dealing.

I would pee during the swim and maybe get out of my shoes while still on the bike. At least I can practice this technique for the next time.

I couldn't get my legs to work for about 1/2 a mile. I was dragging them along with me and shocked how spent I felt. It wasn't sure what was going to happen on the run but I had a deal with myself to run the course and if that happened it would be a success. I am very happy with my run and couldn't really ask for more considering I just started running for sport in March. I passes some men and two women, one in my age group. Sister passed me around mile 2 with a squeeze of my left cheek. She was gliding along gracefully and her big smile inspired me to keep going. Next year will be a whole lot of fun. I was excited to see the finish coming and couldn't wait to be done until it was done and then I wanted to do it again. Sister was waiting for me with a huge smile and a hug when I arrived.

I got a side ache during the second 1.5 miles. I would not wait to go to the bathroom and I would maybe avoid the food and Heed being offered along the course. I think I could use the water, but my food needs to happen while I am on the bike. I drank tons of water the day before the race and I think that I do best when I hydrate the day before heavily and then moderately during the run. Too much food or water while running and I get side aches.

Walked around the site, drank all of the water in the cool stainless steel water bottle I was handed and drank all the remaining water in my bike bottles. Sister and I visited with other racers and then went for the gelato. Signed up for a massage, found hubby and drank a beer. I felt really good until the high wore off, then I felt like I had not slept the night before.


I was not racing until the end of the second bike loop. I learned so much from this first experience. I am going to work on speed in all events this winter. I had to pee the whole time and didn't do anything about that. I need to take off faster and then maintain instead of the other way around.


I wold love to do it again next year.