First half mile was tough as my breathing was more labored than I expected. I think it was nerves coupled with being a bit cold to start. After the first mile I relaxed and enjoyed the trail aspect of the run course. I like trails better than running on asphalt in the city.

I need to run more... I am not a good runner and I avoid training...need to change that and learn to enjoy running.

For first ever event and transition...I think it went well and I made good use of my time.

Take a bucket to sit on to get shoes on.

Overall I enjoyed the ride. The wind was manageable and having been out and practiced the course a couple of times before race day, I knew what to expect and enjoyed the experience. Because I knew the run would be my weak spot, I put out more effort on the ride and did not conserve much for the second run.

I don't know yet. I have nothing to compare it to.

I had knee pain when I got off the bike. I barely walked, let alone ran with the bike into T2. Ate shot blocks/drank and headed out. Also found that when I got back to transition, because I was at the back of the pack, someone had racked their bike in my spot and I had to gently move the offending bike so I had a place to put mine (I had my transition gear laid out too) Frustrating to come in and not be able to get my bike in. :(

Because of knee pain from bike ride, this run segment was painful and very slow. I had to walk the up and down hills, and managed a slow jog on the flats. I had not run this section of the race prior to race day, so the hill at the end (20% grade) was a surprise. :( Considering this, I am glad I did not hold back on the bike ride since this was so slow. I think I used my energy wisely all in all.

As with the first run... need to train more for the run portions.

Ate a piece of banana and had some water... picked up t-shirt and pretty much packed up and headed out.


Lack of training for the runs


i am comparing this event to three other races I attended with my husband. Overall it was not bad, but the registration and finish were somewhat chaotic and unorganized, but it all worked out.