I went off at 7:54:21. it was a rolling start. We were told to clip one foot in and then scoot to the line. It made for a nice start. I wore my glasses since it wasn't raining yet.

I developed a headache early on in the race. This has never happened to me before. I had a headache once toward the end of the run in Oceanside. I kept trying to figure out what it could be and then I reached up and loosened my helmet. The headache was gone immediately!

At about 15 miles, it started to rain lightly. By 20 miles, it was really coming down and I took off my glasses. I put them in the back of my shorts. I was glad that I had a lot experience racing in the rain since it rain for the AC70.3 and the VA70.3. This rain storm seemed a little worse though. That was probably because of the 25 mph winds. They seemed to be coming from every direction.

I had to pee so bad and was contemplating stopping at the 45 mile rest stop. But at the last minute, I changed my mind. I was so happy that I didn't stop because I surely would've dropped my glasses in the porta pottie. I had completely forgotten they were in my pants.

Consumed on the bike: 1 pack Clif Bloks, 1 chocolate Power Bar and 1 GU. I did not use any BASE salts this time. It wasn't very hot out. I also had 2 of my own Gatorade bottles. I picked up two waters along the way.

Remember that my tri shorts chafe. Maybe put on chamois cream before the race starts.

I stopped at the porta pottie, which was conveniently located right at the entrance to the transition area. After that, I really globbed Vaseline on my toes, put socks on, grabbed my visor, race number (which I really should've worn on the bike and tucked into the back of my shorts), and put two Gus into my pockets. I had the mustard, Base salt and Aquaphor in my spy belt.


Wear my race number on the bike. I wasted time fumbling in transition.

I felt like I was able to run pretty good this year. The cooler temps and off and on light rain really helped. There was wind, but it didn't bother me that much.

I didn't use any BASE salt, or mustard. I was not cramping for the first time EVER in a 70.3. At each aid station, I took 1 Gatorade and 1 water. I didn't use any ice. I never ate pretzels.

I kept passing people (I think I counted about 60). I did notice that I don't go through the aid stations very quickly. I people around me seem to go through faster and then I have to catch up to them.


Figure out how to go through aid stations faster.

I crossed the line and went right to transition. I changed into my dry clothes and put a raincoat on. I grabbed my phone and put it in a plastic bag. I was able to see how I placed using the Ironman App. I grabbed some food (nice boxed lunches this year) and found a spot on the picnic table right in front of a big screen showing the finish line. The girl next to me looked up Linda's position for me and told me that she'd be finishing at 2:22.

I watched the big screen and saw Linda finish. I was able to go right over to her afterwards. So convenient!

I went back for a second boxed lunch. They had cookies in them that were really good!

We had to wait until after 4:00 so I could pick up my award. I wish I could get my award earlier so we could get on the road. Having a 3+ hour drive home after getting up at 3:00 a.m. and racing is not easy.





Despite the cancelled swim, rain and wind, it was a great race. It was the first time in 11 years that EM was not hot!