A great race in a stunning location.

This was my first olympic distance race, but it was a great race for it. The swim was split into two waves which made the start not intimidating. 

For some reason I really struggled to feel comfortable in the wetsuit when I started, which made me quite slow. By the second lap the swim was definitely getting choppier than I would have liked (I'd only had a chance to train in a very still lake), but the support crew in the water were excellent. By the second lap I was the last swimmer, and I got my own kayak escort for the final stretch towards the shore. Also for those at the back of the swim, it was really had to see the little yellow buoy in the middle of the course. Partly due to the waves, but also because the team Oscar people set off with yellow swim caps. From a distance it is hard to distinguish a yellow head from a yellow buoy.

The bike course was absolutely stunning, such a lovely island. All the marshalls were great. There were a few technical parts to the course, but they were described in the pre-race briefing, so even though I didn't know the route, I knew what to look out for. The support from marshalls and locals was also great, the only thing I missed were distance markers for those who don't know the route. Every 10km would be great.

With 4 laps of the harbour, the run was repetitive, but the support from the crowds definitely made up for this. High fives all along the course. The wet sponges were much appreciated.

The massage at the end was great, but unfortunately mine was cut short because the awards ceremony was starting.