A wave start with about 1200 people was essentially a mass start! Contact the whole way through and I was just not going to be brutal and plow through people. Got a bit lost and drifted too far to the right at one point but corrected. First HIM without a wet suit and I'm wearing a swimskin next year.

Train more consistently and figure out how to be comfortable swimming through slower people

Decent T1 - jogged up the incline to my rack

Nothing really

Except for the dirt on the wet roads, I think I did a good bike. Kept the wattage within the planned range and normalized power was right at 182W (average of 167W). Bike was pretty cool though and rain stopped just as I was getting off the bike. Great crowd support on the bike course - sections felt like I was in the Tour de France mountain stage finishes when you would hit this wall of sound!

Nothing much except drink more. I had to spit out dirt every time I drank so I probably didn't drink enough.

Fairly good T2 except my foot was cramping a bit when I tried to put on my socks so wasted about 30 seconds doing that.

Not cramp and get out of there in under 4 minutes.

I was doing just fine until about Mile 9 when my calves started cramping. Walked most of the last 4 miles and there went my PR. I was expecting to finish around 5:18 until the cramps hit.

Drink more water/electrolytes and get my PR!

Not much - just got food and drinks


Training wasn't consistent with work being busy (new job) about 2 weeks prior to leaving.


Best race I've ever attended. This is the only major sporting event in that part of the country and all the towns were out even in the rain. All the schools were out along with cheerleaders leading everyone on. Crowds lining up the 90% of the bike course with some sections near the towns 5-6 people deep on both sides. Very festive and pre-race events on Friday night was just awesome with great banquet, live entertainment and fireworks. This race was a whole step above the 2013 World Championship that I was able to attend right after qualifying here given the support. Definitely worth travelling halfway across the world to race as I am now spoiled and know the experience of a truly great race production. First class host hotel (Four Seasons Maui), amazing beaches and clear water with colorful marine life, great staff and rock start treatment all the way!