Definitely one of the choppiest swims I've done to date. Sighting was pretty challenging, as there was just a stand of trees ahead, and even then with the waves you couldn't see them. I just tried to stay calm and carry on.
Made the turn at the buoy and things calmed considerably. The was a pretty strong current that almost took me past swim exit, but I caught it and corrected in time. Swam until I hit the boat ramp with my hand, and stood up in about shin deep water....not bad!

I feel like I can always push a bit harder on the swim. I think I tend to ride with my head a bit high, especially when sighting is difficult. I've barely gotten to the pool once a week this year.

This included a 1/4 mile walk/jog from swim exit to transition. Mostly on paved road, which I jogged, and grass, which I walked due to some uneven ground surface.
Got my shoes, helmet, sunglasses, and hydration pack on. Skipped the gloves since it was supposed to be only 13.1 miles on the bike (ha!) Walked out to the mount line, and got clipped in on maybe the third try.

I get performance anxiety about clipping in, so I should just keep practicing.

So I hit mile 6 of this course and was on the lookout for the turnaround. It didn't show up until after mile 7...exact same point as last year! 15.3 mile course again, despite the maps saying otherwise. That's irritating.
On the bright side, we got to go out and back on the street, whereas last year we came back on the multiuse trail, and that was bumpy.
I got passed a bunch, as usual. But...with my hydration pack, I took on fluid four times! Big win! I probably could have pushed a little harder, but I always say that. I'm 20 pounds heavier this year, and was roughly 5 minutes slower compared to last year. Could that be weight related? I was hoping to have a faster overall speed, since I've been riding with the team on the road a lot more this summer, and feeling more confident with my handling. My crotch started complaining at the turnaround, as it usually does on flat courses. The lack of movement starts to feel achy. I wasn't as strong as I would like up the last hill, but it wasn't a big heart pounding climb or anything.

I think rather than spinning in the little ring (on a flat....really?) I could have spent more time in the big ring. I always have a tough run no matter what, so wouldn't it have been better to put a bit more effort in on the bike? Racing strategy never gets any easier.

Took for ever to get my socks on! My calves were feeling sore so I couldn't go with my Vivobarefoots, and I can't wear my Brooks without socks. Such is life.

There's always room for more hustle.

I was trotting up the bridge, gave up and walked the rest of the way. Ran back down, but then walked again at mile one. There was never a time when I felt like I was really pushing. My calves felt like they wanted to burst....but we're all hurting at the point, aren't we? Its a mental issue, the inability to run. It really was a perfect day, not too hot, it would have been great to be able to run the whole thing. My body didn't let me down.

Run! Figure out why I keep getting in my own way.

Upon stopping my right hand immediately went numb. The feeling came back after about 10 minutes. I didn't feel super dizzy or weak. J gave me a salt tab immediately, and then I sucked down a bottle of Skratch Wellness over the next 20 minutes or so. I chatted with my friends who were there cheering, and despite standing still, never felt like I was going to pass out. Winning!
Is that correlated with the fact that I didn't push very hard? Probably. Maybe redlining during races is just a trigger that I need to avoid.


My cardio is crap. No two ways about it. I need to commit to doing Zone 2 training, and not give up halfway like I always have before. Losing a few pounds would probably make both the bike and run easier. Although seriously....just reading through this, clearly my mental game is where I need to focus. Stronger rider, stronger head game.


Rev3 puts on a good show, and I always look forward to Williamsburg. This is my second year doing the spring, and I certainly see myself coming back next year for either the sprint or one of the other distances.
I did have an issue where I registered with my maiden name, and then emailed and asked them to change it to my married name. They said they did. I saw the bib list with my maiden name, asked them again to change it, they said they did. Didn't happen. Not a huge deal, and honestly it is my first experience that was less than positive with Rev3.
I like the time trial start for a less congested swim. The swag is great. Can't wait to go back.