My time is an estimate because this wasn't chip-timed and I wasn't smart enough to press "lap/split" on my watch as I entered T1. REALLY felt like I was in my element in the water. During the warm-up I was doing 12 strokes easily between breaths. I wonder what the deal was? Perhaps there is something to that whole "taper" thing after all! I averaged probably 9 hours of sleep each night this week. Anyway my goggles didn't fog which is a miracle, I hardly sighted at all and swam darn near a straight line there and back. Swimming around the buoys I got a little wide but other than that I swam like a champ.

Possibly could have swum faster though I'm not sure if the pace I kept was better for me on the run leg. Felt really good and relaxed the whole time.

Slapped on my helmet and took off! Mount was good, got up to speed well and into the ... whatever those things are called, clips I guess?

Get a race belt or not wear a shirt. I thought since I had a bib number I'd need to wear a shirt [which I guess I did need to give them my little tag thing at the end of the run]. Spent waaaay too much time trying to get that stupid thing on! Also need to invest in some sort of advanced shoelace technology. Tying just takes too long. Also a milk crate or bucket would have been nice.

Again, time is an estimate. My watch says 57.12 for when I split it on the first tenth of the run segment. I looked at my watch after I had my shoes and socks on and I was at 11:32. Took a gel asap and downed water throughout. Followed my strategy of staying seated the first lap and grinding the last two. Lap 2 I dropped one of my water bottles but thankfully had another. At the end of lap 2 I caught up to Brynn right in front of the transition area. She seemed annoyed that I wanted to talk to her but later she said she just had her "game face on". She's so cute! Lap 3 these girls tried to hand it to me but I botched the handoff... D'oh! At the beginning of lap 3 I took another gel so it would be absorbed by the time I got out on the run.

Possibly grind harder on lap 2 and stay seated on lap 3. My legs were blown up by the run.

Entered T2 after people, got out before them. In; rack bike; helmet off; run like hell.

Bring a sweat band and/or sunglasses. Whew!

The run was so stinking hot! I got a side stitch right away that accompanied me throughout the run. THAT was no fun. Did the first mile at around a 10:00 pace and kicked it up after the second water station. Walked a tenth after the third water station and mashed out the last 3/4 mile. Got passed by one of my old football coaches, that was humbling :) Apparently it was his first tri too. With about a mile left my left quad started to want to cramp up right above the knee. I've experienced that in the pool but not on the run. Crossed paths with Brynn again with about 1/4 mile left.

Spin down on the bike earlier. Legs did NOT feel ready for the run

Chatted with VeganMan and coach for a few, ate bagels and drank Powerade whilst waiting for my wife to get done.


Inadequate training. I'll leave it at that.


Did this one last year with the wife and BIL; we took the Co-ed team division. Teams were good this year! Run aid stations were better this year. Might do it again next year though I'd like to try the Cornhusker State Games tri and they seem to be very close together [1 day apart this year]. Might do both next year if they're a week apart. Definitely a great tri to be a beginner at!