The most violent swim I've experienced. Within the first ten seconds was hit in the face and lost my goggles. Fixed them without going to my back. Then 30 seconds later hit in the face again. The second blow stunned me and it took a moment to notice that my goggles were off again. Fixed them again and went back to swimming but the left goggle was filling with water. Also had a LOT of trouble catching my breath - probably took 300m to get in a rhythm. But I was breathing every stroke and swallowing a bit of water as I gulped air. Didn't panic but definitely felt the altitude. Didn't help that I was pummeled on the swim. And as I was coming out of the water I stepped in a big hole and tripped. Time was okay but not my best. Fair enough given the circumstances.

Not sure. I'm not willing to line up in the back or way to the side on the swim. I'm a decent swimmer so I don't want to handicap myself by starting well after the gun. Really nothing I could have done about the altitude.

My transitions are notoriously slow. This one was no different, but in my defense I had a LONG run from the swim out to where my bike was racked.

Hire a wetsuit stripper?

My best bike split ever. Would have pushed it even harder if not for the wet road conditions. But was running Vittoria Rubbino Pro Slicks and with the camber of the road I felt my tires were "slipping". Otherwise, would have mashed even harder. Also had a lot of trouble keeping my eyes on the road. The course was so beautiful that I wanted to look out onto the pine forests, mountains, or lake.

Nothing. Had a great split, just wish the roads were dry. Maybe think about aero wheels and an aero helmet to take even more time off :)

Another long transition. I should have ordered a drink I was there so long. Took a long time to tie my shoes because my hands were cold.

Get some of the "quick" pull-on laces. Might have saved 30 seconds.

Always my weakest link. I guess people with big, tall frames aren't meant to be super-fast runners. Or at least that's the excuse I use :) That said, this run wasn't bad and I was happy with the results. Passed a lot of people who were heaving for breath. I was just happy to be running in cool weather.

Grabbed a water, an orange, and was jazzed that they had little powdered donuts. Had a few of those...and half a cheese danish. Stretched a bit and waited for my wife to finish.


Getting pummeled on the swim. The altitude on the swim. On the bike and run the elevation didn't seem to affect me though.


The most fun I've had at a triathlon. The course was incredibly beautiful - I wanted to slow down to take it all in. The volunteers were great, helpful, and cheerful. And they had donuts! Also set a sprint-distance PR. Was also encouraged - if I can shave a minute off of T1 or T2, or push it a little harder on the swim, bike, or run, I can run a sub 1:20 sprint. That would be really nice.