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Notes from my second Triathlon on September 15th, 2002. Va Beach, VA

Times: overall = 2:01:02 swim = 33:57 T1 = 4:07 bike = 49:35 T2 = 1:35 run = 31:48

Overall I felt better doing this tri. I had 2 glasses of water with a small breakfast of cheerios about 2 hours before the start and I felt good during the race.

The line for body marking was very long... next time take my own marker.

Next time arrive a little earlier and review the course a little better. During the swim I never saw buoy 2 or 3, only buoys 1 and 4. And I was about 50 yards off course when I finally saw buoy 4. After the bike, I wasn't sure which way to go for the run. I even had to ask a volunteer for directions.

The rest at T1 felt good, but next time rest on the bike.

I had all of my stuff laid out on top of one large towel which I needed first to wipe the sand off of my feet. Next time at T1 have an extra water bottle to hose my feet off. Also have a hand towel to dry them.

I felt overheated during the run again. Next time pour more water over my head earlier, don't wait until I feel overheated. Wear a cap to keep the sun off my face. The tank top shirt was ok, but it still felt like too much.

Notes from my first Triathlon on July 14th 2002. Raleigh, NC

Times: overall = 1:56:27 swim = 21:42 bike = 58:19 run = 36:26

I was exhausted by the time I finished the swim... My legs felt like jello for most of the ride. Next time kick less, pace better.

Eventhough I drank 2 bottles of Gatorade while on my bike, I felt dehydrated at the start of my run and drank several cups of water along the way. A little too little maybe... by the end of the run I was cramping. Next time start hydrating as soon as I wake up. I drank very little or nothing the morning of the event.

My T-Shirt was soaking wet and must have weighed 5 pounds. Next time wear a better shirt.