I finished!! My time was 2:45:48 - not a great time, but I was just so happy to have made it. As expected, the swim was my worst event, but I finished well before the time allotted. Even though freestyle would have been the fastest way to go, I could never get into a rhythm b/c of all of the distractions (current, other swimmers kicking or clawing at me, the huge patches of grass that I kept getting tangled in, etc.). So I backstroked it. I only strayed a bit off course a couple times, so it wasn't too bad.

After finishing, I was so proud, but I also felt like I'd NEVER do it again. I always say that after a difficult race, so I may change my mind. ;-) Next time, I'll be more much prepared w/ the swim as it's my weakest event. In particular, I'm going to train much more in open water (I'd only swam in pools when training). I don't know how to replicate the chaos of swimming w/ a lot of other people, though, and that was definitely the most nerve racking part. I was in a state of panic the whole time feeling like someone was going to drown me.

Barbara from Virginia

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Hi Barbara,

Thanks for emailing us back and telling us about your triathlon. It is very overwhelming swimming with a group of people and your right, it’s something very hard to replicate in training. We found a video that just may crack a smile on your face because it cracks us up every time we watch it, probably because it has an air of truth to it.

How to Avoid A Frightening Start: Think Out of the Pack (video)

Again, congratulations on finishing your first triathlon. Even if you decide to never do another tri, you can say you did one and tell a great story!

Be well,
~Niki

TriathaNewbie.com Staff

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