My only two other tris I was in first wave. Being in second was rough. Couldn't find an opening anywhere and just had to bully it out for first 1/3 of swim. Finally found a gap, got a good stroke going and got my breath back before finding another tight group. Was surprised at my time, just over a minute faster than last years.

Fight for a front outside postion before the start.

First time w/race belt as I didnt want to pin my new singlet. Left it on the bike by mistake and didn't realize till almost out of T1. Then couldn't seem to hold my bike up right while I put it on. Cost me a lot of time.

Put my race belt in my sneakers.

Last year I avg'd 15 mph and was passed by everyone, even the women and seniors! This year I was so stoked to be passing people I just blew myself out on the first 5, sometimes hitting 28 mph on the flats. Using Gu at the beginning of the bike (I was so worked from the swim!) didn't help either as I was way too pumped. Only my 2nd sprint, though, so you live & learn!

Traing with Gu to see how it affects me and wear my HRM next race. Though I can't really complaining picking up 4+ mph over a year!

This went smooth except that I put the complimentary Hammergel in the back of my singlet (I really only wanted to use gel the whole race, but again, that swim killed me!). Well, the Hammergel bounced out and I almost went back but didn't.

Not bother putting the gel in my singlet, hell, thre was only 26 minutes left!

Didn't walk at all, and didn't get stuck behind people on the narrow parts as I finished the bike much faster than last year.

More training.

None


Kerr Lake was basically my base training and in the 2 months since I added speed training, but my regular runs and bikes dropped off the face of the earth. So, more dedication. Also I really didn't think my transitions through and tried a lot of new things this year.