I had trouble finding my rhythm again. I think I was third or fourth until the first buoy, then I dropped off; found a comfortable rhythm, which meant backing off a bit. Had hoped to finish two minutes faster on this leg. Started in a great position - to the left and front of the pack.

Official Time per 100 yards: 128:20

Pass people - train for faster, more aerobic swimming this winter. Don't forget about technique esp. when you feel sloppy!

Took a bit too long to catch breath, but my chest felt tight. (Foreshadowing...)

Faster jogging from the water to Transition.

Glad I had prepped for this earlier in the week! Had a lot of trouble catching my breath up the first hill; settled in quickly, though. Was passed, and didn't pass many (not a good sign). Good at climbing and downhills, very slow today on the flats.

Get above an average speed of 14.3 mph.

Felt great coming off bike; I had drank an entire bottle of water + Heed mix; felt hydrated and ready to slip into comfy sneakers.

I paused a bit after my running gear was on to adjust my race number and take a breath; should have done this while running.

Okay run back until I reached the dam hill (or should I say, DAMN hill); had to walk (quickly and swung my arms for momentum) up the hill; then ran the rest of the way pretty quickly; picked it up at the end down the "straightaway." Screeched across the finish line, disappointed with my time, and glad to be done.

Run split place: 195th (AWFUL!!)

Learn to run up hills with a smile on my face. Pick up the pace; I HAVE to get faster at running next year - I'm losing four to five spots in my age group each race on the run. I know I can do better!

Water and walk around; gentle stretching. Ate some watermelon and 1/2 of a stale bagel. Met up with club members.


Lack of energy and endurance; very poor breathing (need to build aerobic endurance back up over the winter).


Race was delayed by drifting buoy; course well-marked and well-staffed with friendly and happy volunteers. Run course (esp. on the dam) was covered in dog doo (gross!). Only one set of bathrooms opened at the park - lines were sooooo long. No electronic timing - all done by hand. Course NOT described well on the Web site or in literature received when I registered; I had NO idea there was trail running or the hills; topo map mislabled with wrong street names. Really, more thought could have been put into this!! That said, the park is beautiful, and I will try this race again.