Good swim overall. Took a few laps for my arms to get in gear then it was steady from there on out.

Just need to work on my swim training to improve my speed. Learning how to do flip turns would help with the short lap format.

Soggy toes and socks still don't get along. Slowed me down a touch but not much overall.

Get used to biking without socks? Not sure if I want to go there or not.

Earlier in the week I rode a portion of the bike route at mid-day to see how the weather could be: hot and windy with a 15-20 mph headwind on the way back. Fortunately it was not the case on race day. There was a slight cross-wind, enough to feel but not really slow down.

The day before the race I fixed a flat on the back tire and the alignment is finicky otherwise the brake rubs the wheel. It looked good on the rack however I didn't take it for a test ride. On the course I could hear the brake pad rubbing the wheel at a regular interval and I was faced with a choice: spend a few minutes playing with the alignment or just deal with it. With such a short course I decided to just push through it, I didn't feel too much drag and was still holding a good pace.

The rolling hills made for comfortably challenging terrain. I passed a fair amount of riders on various bike styles and was only passed by a couple riders on serious bikes. My pace was comfortable although my hill climbing could use some work. I was feeling pretty good as I finished the course and headed into the transition area.

Make sure to test ride after changing tires!

Both of my legs had sudden calf cramps when I sat to change shoes, otherwise was good.

Take a moment to stretch my legs.

Both of my calves were cramping as I starting running, forcing a flat footed gait and slowed me down a bit. The cramps eased up as my legs got into run mode after the first 1/2 mile. The mid-day heat was taking it's toll on my pace so I just kept it steady. There were not many other runners going the same pace so I didn't really have a rabbit to chase.

The hill in the last mile is one I run often, knowing I can run the whole distance helped today as I started to feel the accumulated effect of the heat and bike. "Just get to the top, then it's all downhill from there" was the main thought running through my head and before long I was at the top. The final downhill flew by and I finished strong.

Not much, I felt good considering the conditions.

Stretched my legs and drank a bunch of water.


Heat of the day, lack of speed training.


Had a fun time and raced a good race.