I sucked, but really - the swim was fun and my first real long swim in open water. So it was kind of neat too. No jelly fish or nettles noted. Seemed like a good river to swim in.


Practice open water swim. But really, this was a learning experience. Use some anti-fog stuff on my goggles - I had trouble seeing. Stop sighting every second stroke.

I took my time. I was still in awe that I made it out of the water. It was lonely in T1.

Run more. Pretend like its a race.

I never really pushed it hard. I enjoyed it. I passed several with flats and some folks that were out crusing.

Go harder and risk it. I stopped and gave a CO2 cartridge and nozzle attachment to a woman walking with a guy on the bike course. His derailleur was broke she said she could use some air. I took off after a very brief explanation of how to work it. I'm peddling away and I hear a loud pop. I turn around but can't make out details. I hear no screaming so I debated for a split second to go back and investigate or keep going. I kept going. I never asked for it back. I kind of assumed she would turn it in at the end of her race. That didn't happen. I'm more sorry for someone whose luck fails them than I am for my lost CO2 pump. But I'm not rich so I do feel the cost of that generosity and probably will give someone my manual pump next time.

Riding with feet on top of shoes? You mean people do that? Not something I've mastered.

Socks were wet from the ride. I wish I had changed them. They didn't help much on the run as they bunched around the toes. I'd probably do it all quicker next time.

As usual I always felt like it's a struggle.

Eat earlier the day before. Try to go faster.

I jumped in the water. That felt good. Showered and later ate cookies (that's why I did this whole thing), bananas, crab cake, and even tried a RedBull. No alcohol allowed at the park. Hmmmm....Isn't alcohol part of warm-down?


Me. Swim ability is a clear target. Lack of experience in triathlons. Start caring about speed. Now, I just care about finishing with a slight urge to be faster. Need to continue to drop the excess baggage. Getting faster will happen in time. Relative to myself - I was happy with how things went and thrilled to finish an OLY as my second triathlon.


I enjoyed it. Volunteers were great, race director did a great job, food was good and plentiful. Slower folks could actually get to drinks and bananas, etc.. when they finished. The volunteers were a class above the rest. Crowd was very encouraging. The announcer did a great job. Course marshalling was super. I just always felt safe and on track on all portions of the event. The surroundings are low traffic and just an awesome place. The venue is a pretty cool place - a private beach/campground/picnic area. Two shower and bathroom locations. The gentleman that owns it is about 80. He runs it with family. He also farms by himself 400 of the surrounding acres. He didn't charge me when I showed up a week early to ride the course and a second time to just play in the water and lie on the beach the day before. Nice folks. The town of Tappahannock and Warsaw just seems to have nicer people. I managed to lose a pair of prescription sunglasses, so need to bring cheap sunglasses to the next tri.