I think the course was a little short because I did not feel like I was swimming my absolute best, but I will definitely take this. Was able to draft well for most of the swim. At one time got off course because sighting into the sun was a challenge.

Nothing

Was not really rushing here. Took my time to dry off my feet and get socks on knowing it was going to be cold to start.

Not much, happy I took the time to help stay warm

My power meter decided not to work (even though I checked prerace and it was working), but I actually think this helped me push harder than I might've. This was my second best time here ever, and I don't think that would've happened with me sticking to a power plan. I kept the pressure down and held firm as I began to fatigue. I was pretty chilly for the first half, but eventually the sun got up high enough to warm things up. Very happy with this ride.

Nothing

Fastest T2 in the race. Having such a great bike put me into race mode. I passed two guys in here alone.

Nothing

For all the years this run course was short, they got us back with about a 1/4 mile extra here. Awesome run overall, only 6 seconds back from the 2nd fastest run in the race. As it turned out I came off the bike in 7th place, passed two guys in transition, another right away. Slowly pulled myself into 4th in the first mile of the run. Heading to the first turn around I was planning to scope my position. First place was wayyy ahead and moving well. Second place was absolutely flying and would eventually take the win. Third place was several minutes ahead, would need some help to catch him. Heading to the second turn around I was still a couple minutes behind 3rd, but gaining and he was hurting. I now had motivation to fight through the pain on the second loop.

Going up that long grinding hill the second time is really tough. I just kept thinking if it's hurting me, it's hurting him way worse. Got up to the flats and kept the pressure on, and sure enough caught him just before the final turn around. The guy I had passed earlier in the run really hadn't fallen off too much, so I knew I couldn't just coast to the finish. Kept a smooth pace and enjoyed the downhill ride from there.

Nothing

Walked around, went in the water for a bit. The RD grabbed me and the winner to bring us to the festival next door for a free beer. Was fun chatting with the young college kid who clearly has a bright future in the sport.


Not much


Overall happy with how Alpha Win did, they have a bad reputation for running races, especially the first time out. Wish the post race food was better (bring back the pizza!), and adding just one more aid station to the run (which would be passed 4 times), would make a huge difference. If they can make those small changes, this will go back to being a favorite of mine, because the course certainly is.