I had written this whole post about the race, analysing every little bit. I read it back and thought, "this is boring, who's going to want to read this?". Instead, I'm just  going to write down all the good bits and bad bits.

Good bits

I really enjoyed the swim. Nowhere near as daunting as I thought it would be.

The bike was challenging. I wouldn't call it hilly. Austin describes it better - "bumpy as f*ck". It was fast in places and exposed, windy and slow in places. A lot of fun.

The run was hard but fun. 

Getting to hang out with Austin before the race - this helped with my nerves and then meeting him on the run (going in the opposite direction), exchanging a high five and shouting, "up the hoods".

The marshalls. We were told to write our names on out race numbers. Everywhere there was a marshall, they were shouting "go on, Lisa", "keep 'er lit there, Lisa". These people don't know me from Adam but it felt like they did!

The organisation was second to none. We got a great goody bag, complete with a technical jacket (which the organiser said looked too big for me and swapped it with his!). The "after party" was one heck of a spread. There was enough food to feed an army! The atmosphere was also great, with Peter Jack being on fine form, as usual.

The other athletes were amazing. I got chatting to so many and everyone was lovely.

Winning my age group and being presented with some cash! This was totally unexpected, so I'm glad I stayed for the prize giving. 

Bad bits

None. Genuinely no complaints. I loved every minute of it. Of course I learned some lessons and would do some things differently next time but this is positive. 

My first Olympic distance triathlon was everything and more I could have hoped for. I knew there was no way I'd finish sub three hours. The conditions were favourable, though and I finished in 2:47:04 with splits of:

Swim: 00:30:48

T1: 00:03:26

Bike: 01:18:37

T2: 00:01:02

Run: 00:53:12

As usual, I didn't get here on my own. There are some Twitter people that I need to thank individually.

Austin (@austinslide), my coach. Once again, he got my training plan spot on. This isn't his job, but he's really bloody good at this stuff and I am so appreciative of the time he spends with me.

For some great swim advice, complete with virtual cheerleading, Donna (@Donna_De), Khara (@kharamills) and Matt (@m_j_fisher).

For the diet and nutrition side of things, Christine (@HolisticGuru) and Sally (@Sall_y).

For a mixture of all of the above, Greg (@billyfishWORC).

For being the most awesome person on the planet, sharing the same brain as me and believing in me completely, Amy (@2for1).

There are lots of other people whom I pester for advice, too many to mention but if you're one of them, THANK YOU! Thanks also for all the messages of support. I also ran a wee "competition" on Twitter. I picked up a prize for the person who came closest to predicting my time. The winner was Vince (@TTcenzo), who predicted 2:48, asked me not to cock it up and requested whiskey. Your prize will be posted soon!

In terms of the real life people who got me here, thank you to Mum and Dad and Emma and Nicola and Michael for minding the kids so that I can train and race. Thanks to Dad for being my lucky mascot and official photographer, again. 

So, I'm not taking much of a break. I don't want any post race blues setting in. Next up is my first half marathon, which I entered today. It's on 17th July, so a lot of work to do between now and then. It's on a tough, hilly course so it will be a challenge.

Onwards...