As swimming started I realized that all my time in the pool was for nothing. Too many waves, and they were too high. I could not keep a "good style" My legs sink deep. I could not see a buoy, but I managed to get to it somehow. The problem was that I cannot see the next one! just followed the crowd. But the waves were huge, I had to keep my head really high.

I have seen many called it the worst swimming conditions, but I felt ok after it. I did not expect my time to be that bad, but I felt even better when learned that some (about 20-30 ppl) did not finish the swim and were pulled out of the water. Race director allowed them to finish the race, but at DNQ.

Wet suite strippers are the best!


I did not change shorts or jersey for the bike, but may be I should to have a dry fresh clothes. Also, I would put a chip over my sock, not under. It started to rub my skin on the bike at one point.

The bike was the worst. I was doing ok up to mile 40. Everything was gong great, I run small ring for 10-15 min, and at about mile 40 my average was 19 MPH or something, But at that point I started to have a pain in my left leg. I never had such pain in that spot during training or any previous races. I dropped spinning a little bit, switched back to small ring, but nothing helped. The unusual pain grew more and more. Once it became unbearable, I stopped and get of the bike. The leg calmed down a little and I could continue on the bike. Another leg started to hurt too, I could use a little force only on 1/4 of the circle with one leg, and maybe 1/2 with another leg. I felt so bad. The pain was getting worse and worse, I was thinking to quit the bike at some point. The worst was the thought about running after it. I did not know it I will be able to finish the bike, moreover the run. The last 5 miles the road was really bumpy, I felt every bump with my legs.
The rest 70-72 miles I was riding in pain, grinding my teeth, squeezing the bars.
Ate and drink normally. A clif bar or a gel every 30 min. Salt tablet every hour. Less water consumption because it was not hot.

I would do better and more careful warm up in the beginning of the bike leg. I guess my muscles were not warm up, relaxed properly as I switched to big ring. It was not hot, and my clothes were still wet as I started.

Coming off the bike brought a little relief. My muscle pain was probably specific for bike muscles. I could walk, and therefore, I could try to run.

After the terrible bike I was very careful how I run, and I started very slow and easy. The muscles did not hurt that bad, I was able to pay a little attention to the pain. The first half was so-so, but the second half was hard. at mile 17-18 I got pain in my legs again, but I was glad, because it was familiar running pain that I used to.
I tried to eat something, but it was not good for my stomach, I was only drinking gatorade, water on the first lap and cola mixed with water on the second lap

I would get a hand bottle for the special need bag for the second lap. I needed more energy, i.e cola, but the food tables did not relief the cola from gas. I would mix cola and water at the food station, and shake it as I run to get rid of the gas.
if I would be finishing even later, I would need a warm top for sure.

wrapped myself in foil and sat next to heater. probably need to walk around, because I felt really bad as I got up. I had couple of cups of chicken drink. It helped me to warm up.


Pain in my legs on the bike


I like the race overall. it was my first full distance and despite pain and suffering I got some valuable experience. The organizers and volunteers were helpful and friendly. Not so big crowd. especially on the second lap on the run. maybe if I could be faster I would see more spectators.
After finish I have nothing to eat, volunteers offered only the water. Another disappointment was the visor. I personally do not like visors and never wear them. T-shirt would be a better finisher item for me.
If I decide to go for full distance again, I would do REV3 again. It is very close to my home, about 2hrs to drive.