As with most other Tri-athletes, the swim is/was my nemesis. Things started out well, I had a good rhythm and pace, picture perfect 150 meters. Then everything started to fall apart.My swim cap began to slip off, my goggles filled up with water, I started to rush and I never regained that relaxing comfortable zone of effortless swimming. My hard earned technique went right out of the window and I was then once again struggling in the water as I have spent many months unlearning struggle.

More swimming, more days in the pool, more everything related to being in the water and becoming more comfortable with swim distractions. Improve my swim time and speed is my goal.

I rocked this transition! My main focus was to get my feet as dry as possible so I could get my socks on and feet in the shoes. After that everything else was just a formality, sun glasses, then helmet., out the gates. Nickle slick!

Some difficulty running in bike shoes was the only down side.

Maybe practice mounting my bike with shoes attached to the bike, if that is even allowed, I'll have to check the rules on that one. It may vary for race to race.

My bike was good, I had a little chain rub from crossing gears, but managed to smoothing things out. I laid back a bit, coasted at times to preserve my legs a bit for the run. I added a Speed-fill bottle to my aero-bars, which I recommend to anyone who has aero bars. It allowed me to consume more water and stay hydrated without leaving the aero position. And biggest advantage is that you can use another reserve bottle on the down tubes to refill on the fly.

Next time I will push a bit harder on the bike. I strategically took it easy on the bike to spare my legs for the up coming run. In my training I will practice more sprint intervals.

I don't remember why it took me so long, I think I paused a moment to collect myself, and take a bite of a power bar. Otherwise this transition went smooth I thought.

The only thing I would think of doing different was to take my shoes off as soon as I got off the bike to fun faster barefoot. Mental note for the next race.

Initially my run started out to be a challenge. transitioning from the bike to running takes some getting used to. I tried to shorten up my stride length a bit to allow my body to relax and find my natural stride but my hamstrings were having none of that. I stopped twice and walked a fast pace to get my muscles to trust me after beating them up, which also allowed my HR to simmer down. After that I was back in stride again. The best part was when my 8 year old son ran with me to the finish-line. How awesome was that! The best race of my life......

Had it not been for the two stoppages, I would have been fine. One thing I know I can and will improve on is my speed. I am much more capable of running faster times, I think I was playing safe. Next time I will test myself a bit more and push harder.

Taking in lots of water and cooling down, internally and over my head.


The swim has always been a major limiter. But mostly, I held back a little, just really allowing myself to absorb the entire experience and listening to my body. Having done that, I have a better assessment of what physical perimeters really are.


Overall this was an impressively well organized event. I will definitely be doing the next one this year and years to come. The only thing I would recommend the organizers do is have mile markers for the bike and run for beginners. It helps with the psyche and orientation to where you are within the course.

Otherwise, a must do event for all levels. Thanks to all of the volunteers. They never get the credit they deserve.