Awesome recap, and huge congratulations, mysticmuffin! You totally killed your first half. I'm stoked for you that you have a nother one coming up already.
Also, you should teach some kind of "how to take a great race picture" workshop or something, cuz those are terrific, esp. the 2nd one!
Congrats! I hope your hip gets better, get some rest before your next race. Looks like you had fun and despite the training hiccups you finished well and are motivated for another race, so that is a win!