The toughest part was actually getting in the water. The lake was freezing and the air was pretty chilly as well. I was definitely jealous of the people that had Wet-Suits. On the good side, you really did not notice the cold water after the first 1/2 mile and the staggered start was great.

The transition from swim to bike is never easy. However, being completely numb from the freezing water and then having to run through 1/4 mile of thick sand (which gets everywhere) before entering the transition area makes this process a lot more difficult.

Hills! Long, Steep, Hills! I had no idea that a course in Georgia would have so many hills. Plus, it was hot. I'm not sure how, but my body completely bypassed the comfortable zone and went straight from freezing cold to sweltering hot. The entire 10K course did not go under a single tree. This run a pretty tough run for me.