Swim went well. Best part was sighting & navigation was much better this year. Felt smooth & quick in the water. Got into a rhythm and just kept at it. When I rounded the second turn bouy for the long leg back in, I really felt like I started moving well, and felt strong. Made my way in to the beach and touched bottom. Tried to stand, but both calves cramped (a theme of the day, I was to find out) and I quickly sat back in the water for a second. Got back up and was out without any issue.

Not much. Was surprised to see 39 minutes on my watch as I felt like I was really going well out there and was shooting for something in the 36 minute range. Maybe put some more effort into it for next time? was only 1 minute better than last year, but felt like it should have been more.

Took my time. Had a bit of dizziness coming out of the water - likely the whole reorienting to vertical from horizontal. Overall could have been a bit quicker, but I wasn't out to set the world on fire with my transition times.

nothing

I liked this ride. Mounted and got going well. Between the great weather, and the fun of getting to ride, I probably pushed it too much on the first loop. I think I split the fiirst 28 miles at 1:24 or so, which was too fast. I should have done something about this earlier in the loop as I could see my 5 mile split times getting lower and lower. Knowing I still had to run, and the anticipated struggle that would be, I was burning a few too many matches. Second loop I backed it off and tried to stay in the box around 17 mph. Still, it was tough to keep it throttled when I was feeling so good.

Nutrition seemed good. Drank well, and had soemthing to eat right on schedule. Actually drank more than I expected likely due to the increasing temp.

Overall, I was happy with the bike leg. I was shooting for a sub 3, but gave up on it knowing it was a dumb thing to try to do -- the whole ego vs the right thing to do was a constant thought. Dismounted fine, and off to T2

Maybe back off a bit on the first loop. I was riding at a constant 20 mph or so for a big chunk of it which was the totally wrong thing for me to be doing in this race.

I don't recall stopping to have a sandwhich & drink during T2, but based on my time, it must have been what happened. Good lord. I know I took my time, but this is a bit to casual a T2 than necessary

Move a bit quicker. use different socks!!!!

So, this is where the wheels all fell of the wagon. I knew the run would be a tough one, but not like this.

I ran out of T2, and the first 3 miles or so were OK. Hit the aid stations for some water as I was feeling a bit dry. My hamstring started to bark in the first mile so it was less than confidence inspring. Had planned on a run/walk strategy, and stuck to it for a while, but the 'walk' part started getting longer and longer with each mile. By the time I reached mile 6, it was getting slow. Started to run when I could and walk when necessary. By mile 8, I was in near-full walk mode. Just couldn't move with any sort of running conviction. Hit every aid station to get liquids and some food, whatever they had.

Could feel the blisters starting about mile 9 and it just became a march to the finish with nothing else in mind. By mile 10 my feet were in flames, but kept moving forward. Walked with a lady for a bit and as we passed the Mile 10 marker, we were psyched to think "Only a 5k left!" :). A but further I attempted to hurry across an interesection, but both calves cramped up completely as soon as I stared to run. That was my last attempt at running until the finish chute. As I neared the final 1/4 mile a couple blisters on my left foot popped, and it was rather painful. So, with gritted teeth, I made my way to the finish chute, and jogged my way down the final 200 yards to the finish. Heard them announce my name as I came in, crossed the line, and was quite happy to be done. I'd done it! It was ugly, I hurt, was exhausted, but I was done. Yeah!!!!

Given the hammy injury, my run training was really limited, and that just killed me on this portion. My goal was to finish, and I did. Happy my run time didn't exceed my bike time :)

Got a cold water bottle & towel. Sat down in the shade with the towel on my head for a bit. Once I gathered my wits about me, I felt pretty good about getting this done. I'd come here to redeem myself for last years DNF, and I did. And set a PR in the process (was my first HIM finish!!).

Got some food, had a nice cold beer, packed up and drove home.


Near total lack of run training.