I didn't intend on starting with the front of my group, but everyone seemed to be going so slow, and before I knew it I was drafting what I think was the lead guy. I stayed right on his heals for the first 50-75 yds, but then I started to fade and realized the error of my ways. I slowed down, but it was too late. By the time I rounded the first bouy I was spent and having to swim with my head out of the water. I then took in a big gulp of water which choked me. I had to stop, tread water, and cough for a few seconds. I then started back with sidestroke for about 20 feet, regained my composure, and resumed freestyle - s l o w l y !

I did really well at the turns and stayed on course really well, which is suprising since my goggles fogged up pretty bad.

I have to learn to keep myself from starting out so fast. This really hindered my performance and if I do this on a long swim (1.2 mile) I will likely drown.

I should've worn my new clear goggles. It was cloudy and dark. Also, I need to figure out how to keep my goggles from fogging up. My spit just does not work.

I came in, sat on the bucket, rinsed my feet, got my shoes and everything else on, and jogged the 40 feet to the mount line. The shirt was difficult, but I wanted to do it since some races require a shirt. Getting a rack spot close to the bike out works good for me.

Arrive just a little bit earlier to make sure I get the best spot, and rack on the downhill side of the bar. When I rinsed my feet the water ran towards my towel and everything else. Otherwise, a perfect transition.

I got up to speed and of course I was hammering too hard. Well, maybe not too hard for a 12 mile race, but I'm aiming for Oly/HIM distances. I passed a few in the first couple miles until I found a guy going about my pace. He was on an old steel bike and had calfs that rivaled my quads. I stayed behind him, within USAT rules, for the next few miles, and then he seemed to slow some so I passed him. That lasted for about a mile until we came to some hills and he ate my lunch, but I stayed with him the rest of the time. I worked pretty consistantly on the bike, only took a few sips of water/G-ade, and no nutrition - didn't need it.

I spent the last couple of miles spinning - it was nice and flat. Things were going great, and I was looking forward to the run, then Kersplat! I didn't get stopped at the dismount line before I put my foot down, and for some reason my carbon soled bike shoes didn't have much traction on the asphalt. I didn't land too hard, but it was hard enought to leave a little strawberry/road rash.

I may have left a little on the course, but if I did it was very little. It was a good effort.



I need to start out a little slower and work on dismounts. I think maybe getting out of the shoes while still on the bike and running in socks would be good. However, if I get new shoes that are a half/whole size smaller I could ride w/o socks - even better! Also, next time bring some electrical tape for bike tags, etc.

Except for the ass-busting things went well.

Get out of shoes while on the bike and dismount and run in socks/barefoot.

I started at about the right pace finally. I got my legs pretty quickly and concentrated on form and relaxing. I maintained a constant pace all the way out and halfway back, then I turned it up a little. The run finishes uphill and I gave it all I had at the end. I was spent.

Nothing

Walked around a little dazed. Drank some water, had a pancake, and drank more water. I stretched a little, but of course not enough. I also waited in line for what seemed like an hour for a free massage the, God bless her, wasn't worth it.


If anything, training. But considering my ITB issues I'm very happy.


I gave this a 4 because I think it could be a little better. Overall the course is awesome. The lake is great, the bike is a good challenge with essentially no traffic, and the run is also good, but the announcer SUCKED!

But the main thing: I had fun, and I beat my goal time of 1:22 by almost 10 minutes!