After an awesome swim at IMLP, I wanted to really go for it here. Plan was to see if I could lead the first wave, and if not just hang on to whoever was. After a blistering start, there was someone just ahead that I couldn't quite attach to. Tried to keep him close so if he slowed I could get in the draft. But after about 200-300 yards he suddenly veered way off course and so I found myself in the lead. I noticed he corrected himself and would be coming back so I just kept swimming as hard as I could. To my surprise I was still leading after making the final turn, and was determined to hold on.

Leading the way was interesting in that there was obviously no one to draft - never realized how much I focus on that in races.

Nothing, being the first out of the water was awesome! Even if a few from later waves had faster times on the day.

Also - this was way more than 1/2 mile. I got about 1050 yards, which is what others had on Strava too. So pace really 1:27

Wetsuit got stuck on watch, but not too bad.

Gotta figure something out with the watch since it always seems to get stuck.

Legs did not feel great to start this, very flat. Took a minute to catch my breath after the swim effort, but even then I still was struggling a bit. Worried that it would last the whole ride being 3 weeks after IM and not doing much of anything since. But about 15 minutes in, I finally was able to push the pace a little. I was passed early on, and was gapped by 1:45 at the turn around. On the way back I was passed again to drop to 3rd. I was able to keep that guy in sight with plans to try to run him down.

Maybe do a little more leading up so I'm not so flat

Nothing fancy

Nothing

I knew first was very far ahead, and 4th was pretty far behind (while being aware other waves could be in the mix), so my only real goal was to run down 2nd place. I settled into a solid pace, but couldn't really access that top gear. Initially I was bummed out because the guy in second was moving well, but then I began checking the gap and I was slowly bringing it down. Having the positive reinforcement knowing I was chopping 5 seconds every 1/3 mile or so, I was able to maintain and reel him in. Passed with about 1 mile to go. I made sure to go by with some pick up, because I knew I had no sprint finish if he was able to hang with me.

Nothing

Walked around, light stretching.


Pretty happy overall coming off a tough IMLP three weeks prior.


Really love this race and venue. As usual post race food stunk - no protein at all! But it is what it is. Cheap entry fee and Fleet Feet gift card for making podium so can't complain.