beach start for the race. Opening 50 meters got kicked in the gut and had goggles taken off. After that, swim went pretty well. The time was my fastest ever for a HIM race. Swam too wide at times, but overall glad to see improvement. Work has paid off in the pool, but still plenty more to do.
Going into the race, I thought coming out of the water in under 40 would really help in achieving sub 5hr goal.

Side note of things to come: right calf started to cramp with about 200M to go, but was fine when I got out of water

21st OA
nothing of note

started off going easy for first 5 mins to get going and was drinking GU with Carbo Pro
1st Lap went well. The last hour is when things fell apart. Right leg started seizing up whenever I stood and soon made the ride difficult. Last half hour felt like I was pedaling with 1 leg, any pressure put on right leg resulted in cramps. Was seriously concerned about getting off the bike without falling heading into to T2

hydration!!!
I thought I was ok with 24oz water, and 40oz of GU with Carbo Pro. More on this later.
Seeing family cheering as I went into T2, I said I was already in trouble

26th OA. Painful

legs were a mess. Started the run with the women's leader and stayed with her for a 1/4mi then started to walk as legs were a mess. Friend caught up to me and I hung with him for 2mins before having to bail when right leg seized up.
stopped at the end of lap 1

hydration and nutrition plan

laid down and tried to stretch. got some water and food in me. Waited for 2 hours for everyone to finish..continued to stretch and drink. Also ate and Italian hoagie, 2 pieces of cake, 2 slices of pizza and a cookie. After the race went to Ross's house. Drank numerous glasses of iced tea and ate like a pig all night- apps, salads, pork, prime rib, guac, cookies, ice cream, apple pie, etc. Woke up on Sunday and was still 2.5lbs lighter than I was before the race...clearly did not hydrate enough. Can only imaging what weight was when I stopped.


hydration/nutrition
Even with the longer bike, breaking 5 hours was still well within reach. Swim has improved, bike is developing to my strength, and I can almost always count on a good run. Today was not my day. First DNF of my career and it sucked!
I also decided that to help with the dehydrating, I will likely no longer use the aero helmet for HIM and full IM. Cramping/Hydration seems to be an issue and switching to a vented helmet should help.


overall very good course