So finally, they lined everyone up. The first wave was the men’s Olympic distance. They lined up along the beach waiting for the horn. Then the race director decided that having the Olympic distance racers go first was a bad idea now that they will be swimming a 2 lap course. So the men’s sprint was marched in and was sent off. Then it was my turn. I waded out a little and submerged myself so my wetsuit fit right. The water was really warm. It was a beach start so I had to wade back into shore. I was a little worried about getting thrashed like in my last race because I ended up being in the middle of the pack.

When the horn went off, I sprinted into the water and I kept on sprinting toward the first buoy. Pretty soon, I realized that I was all alone. I was not following anybody. I was kind of worried at this point because I started to feel tired, really tired. I sprinted a little too hard and was having a hard time keeping up my pace. After I rounded the first buoy, at least one girl passed me. I was still holding a decent pace though. I rounded the second buoy and headed back to shore. Of course the sun was in my eyes and I could not see anything. I even wore my metallic goggles because the same thing happened to me in my last race. I could kind of see some splashed in front of me so I just followed. Another girl passed me at this point. I swam into shore as far as possible and started running into transition. Another girl passed me at this point.


I need to work on swimming endurance. The sun was a problem with sighting. I also think I should be more confident in my swimming ablility. I think I did well in the swim but I am not really happy with my performance because I died and couldn't keep up my pace.

I felt like I was going to pass out after the swim so I took my time in transition.

Work on swim/bike bricks.

I am still pretty slow on the bike. Everyone passed me. I did not pass anyone. I am getting better though. I am actully fairly happy with my performance because I kept a decent pace on this hilly course. A bunch of people encouraged as they passed which was really cool. I got a complement on my bike too.

Ride lots. :)

Legs felt like jello running into transition. I couldn't remember which spot was mine on the rack for a second. I didn't have to change shoes so I just took off my helmet and was off.

Work on bike/run bricks.

Running is my weakest part of the race due to my knees but I can tell I am getting better. I didn't have any knee pain during the race at all. I saw a pot bellied pig in a yard along the race course.

I am going to keep building my running slowly so I don't mess up my knees. My current plan has been working so far so I am going to stick to it.

I walked around a bit and drank some water. I stretched and had some pancakes and sausage. Checked the results. Packed my stuff and drove home.


Inexperience and lack of skill in the bike and run portions. When I solve these problems, I will be unstoppable!


I really liked this race. There was a lot of comradery between the racers. Everyone seemed like they were having a good time. This was an Escape from Alcatraz qualifying race so I was surprised there weren't more people racing. This is the first year for this race and even though there were a few glitches, all in all it was a great race and I will do it again next year.