I didn't really try to fly in the pool... this is my first real race so I just focused on finding a nice, steady pace and swimming my race. My main goal was to get in, stay cool, not get too excited/go too fast, and just deal with other people in close proximity but still swim my race. I did it and had no real problems on the swim.

Faster, faster, faster. I intentionally went at a smooth, moderate pace. While this isn't "wrong" or "bad" obviously I could've picked it up a bit without really smoking me or burning off too much energy.

T1 was pretty easy. Helmet/sunglasses on, socks on, go. Shoes clipped into bike and rubber banded. Slid shoes in at the start of the course no problem. Didn't try the flying mount, not quite ready for that in race yet, but I still felt I went pretty fast in T1.

Learn to flying mount. Smoother putting shoes on.

Felt really good on the race. Came out of the pool at 255th... finished the run at 104. Definitely my best part of the race, by far. Passed a ton of people, felt like I kept pretty decent speed. Cramped up about mile 8, but rode it out okay. Felt comfortable on my bike, especially good since I've only had it to take out a handful of times before today.

Spend more time in aero... I feel like I spent more time than necessary on the horns. Keep working on the engine. Eat more stuff prerace so I'm not cramping up.

Out of muscle memory, I just rode in and unclipped shoes. Quickly took em off, racked bike, shoes off and running shoes/race belt on. As far as technical transition, it was pretty good, but I was POOOOOOPED. Major jello legs. Wasn't prepared for how tired my legs would feel off the bike.

EAT MORE BEFORE THE RACE. Flying dismount.

First mile was the "this sucks" mile, working out my cramp and trying to get over my jello legs. Really would've felt better with more prep. Second mile was meh, third mile I really got my second wind. Ended up with negative splits pretty much the whole run.

More brick workouts to prep. HTFU and not have such a crappy first mile.

Stretching, walk/jog to cheer for dad as he came in later.


NUTRITION. Eating more stops the cramp, makes me feel better at the end of the bike into T2 into run.
Pacing. Realize I can go faster on the swim, and do it. Find a comfortable pace that pushes me more. Run with a quicker tempo, even if i'm sore/tired.


Absolutely great starter race. I was completely prepared for everything, and there were plenty of volunteers and signs and such to ensure everyone was 100% good to go. Race environment was fun, course was well done, I had a lot of fun.