Glad I had swam this on practice day, thanks slovegreen! Once we were 50 m out it thinned out but it was pretty tight there for a while, and I swam with my head out for a while. Then I settled into a groove, never felt super great, felt a little seasick, but followed another woman and that helped me sight and navigate. I felt like there were ocean waves or something!

Not much. I never felt strong but I was happy with my time.

A long haul up to the bikes. I just didn't want to forget anything! My bigger bike was on a lower rack so I didn't realize that it didn't really fit under--I struggled a little getting it in and out! Should maybe have figured that out earlier.

I don't know how to go much faster. It feels like there is just so much gear to put on. I have to have gloves, but those are hard to get on while wet.

I didn't get warmed up until mile 14! I just felt like it shouldn't hurt as bad as it did, and since I didn't know the course super well, the first lap felt like an experiment. The second lap felt much better. It really pays to REALLY know the course well. There were so many people out there. Lots said "good race" or whatever as they whizzed by. It was just a passing frenzy! Lots of aero bars, disc wheels, etc. I felt pretty good. Coming up that last hill to transition was kinda hairy. Especially cuz there were 2 women chattin' away 2 abreast up the hill. Hello?! Before that a guy kept bugging me and tried passing me on the right! I finally yelled "Dude, pass me on the left!" and then I proceeded to get pissed and take off. I never saw him again. Maybe that's why my legs were tired going into transition too?! It was a beautiful day. I tried to remind myself of that. This course was 2 miles too long, though. It didn't occur to me til later. What's with that, LSL?! Ate a GU going out. Gatoade and water helped me thru.

Know the course better. Train more on hills, just be on the bike more. But really fun.

Legs were a little wobbly off the bike. My goal was for this not to be the case, because it usually means I might have pushed too hard on the bike. My darn visor and ponytail decided to fight when I was trying to take off and I struggled with that for a while!

Aaaahhhhh. This was excruciating for me. Running is so mental. I just didn't want it to hurt that bad. I started out fine with me 15 min run/2 min walk plan. But after that, I just walked when I couldn't run and ran when I could. Another pass-fest. I just marvel at people who can run. I wished I had a buddy out there, because I was plain old bored. I had a gu and felt better, and I drank a lot and felt fine. At least I did that right. It was hilly in my opinion. But--it was proably .4 mile short. Because there is literally no way I did that time (nothing to brag about, but I know). I am suprised that this was the case. Maybe to make up for the long bike course?!

Well, I always say it, but run more. Run hills. Lose 15 pounds. The tiny little bird bodies that kicked my ass reminded me of that.

Thank the dear Lord above that the race was over.


Training, running, etc. But I really was happy with my race and proud of finishing well. It was a great experience, and a celebration of the year of training and all the other stuff in my life that I have overcome. Glad I did it, but I really don't have the desire to do that again. I will stick to my sprint distances and have a blast. Short course next year, baby!


Fun race. Suprised at the disparity in distances, but a shorter run? Who can argue with that? The build-up, the training, meeting BT friends and doing this all "together" is what mattered to me. I am proud to say I am a Olympic-distance triathlete!
I put some more pix in my albums section. Good times, good memories.