Felt like hell after 100 yards, until I remembered that I was 5000+ feet above sea level. Took my time and just got through it. Wetsuit made a wonderful difference. Stayed wide the whole time. Lost some time avoiding feet early and late, when I caught a group of people slowing down. Bouys were well placed, but I was surprised not to see the leaders getting out of the water as I approached. Thought maybe I was looking at the wrong location. It turned out the leaders were only a bit ahead of me (go figure).

Get wider at the start. Focus more on technique. Don't swallow as much water.

Viewed course the day before. Quick turn and hill out of start, so I decided not to put shoes on while riding. It was a good decision. Passed several people in T1 area. 147 BPM in T1.

Nothing.

Caught a group on the first hill. Kept trading places on downhills. I'd catch them again on the climbs and give it up on the downhills. Ended up coming into T2 as #3, but was very surprised to be in that position. Thought I was doing OK, but couldn't figure out why I wasn't seeing the leaders closer to the turn around -- then found out I was less than 2 minutes off the lead and was in the top 5. A great feeling! Top speed: 38.8 mph.

Push harder on the downhills and flats, especially when I found out that the couse was shorter than expected.

Forgot to take off shoes on descent into T2. Almost forgot to clip out of second pedal as I hopped off the bike. Came into T2 #3, left #5... I was the only one of the group that changed shoes and/or put on socks. 143 BPM in T2

Ride with feet out of shoes for last 100 yards & find a way to run without socks or to get socks on faster.

Felt like hell the whole time on run. Knew I was going to regurgitate as soon as I got off the bike. It happened 11 minutes into the run. Was passed while doubled over. This makes three pukes in 3 tri's. I take on too much water in the swim and it gets released on the run. Missed 5th place by :20 because of the needed stop. Should have pushed harder after the incident, but wanted to make sure I finished without another puke.

Not puke. Push harder on the last mile.

Stretching and walking around


Puking, altitude, and me not pushing hard enough.


Not many volunteers, but it was a small race. Markings were pretty good, but could have been better at turn around for bike and in campground. Also, there was a roundabout where many were confused -- a volunteer there would have helped. Overall average BMP: 153 (0:37 above target, 0:37 below target, 52:24 in target). 1,088 kcal burned (not including swim).