I don't have split times yet, but I estimate my time around 8 minutes. As usual, I started the swim on the outside of the pack to avoid the melee' that ensues, and thought the south to north current might drift me in the perfect direction. I seem to have trouble relaxing quickly in the ocean swims. I think it's because I just can't get a rhythm going until I'm out of the surf zone, so I'm constantly lifting my head to see the waves I need to dive under. I am a surfer, so I'm totally comfortable in the ocean and waves, but in the triathlon setting, I can't relax until I'm in open water beyond the surf. Anyway, the first buoy came up in about 3 minutes, and I took a wide swing around it to avoid traffic. Still managed to bump a few people. 2 buoy in another 3 minutes, and I rounded that one fine, and then the swim for the beach. Managed to bodysurf a couple of waves in and then the long jog (about 200 yards) to T1.

I really need to try to relax more at the start of these races. I think the adrenaline gets me until I calm down and settle into a pace. I also need to get more confident and draft more.

Plenty of bikes still on my rack when I came in. Our rack was probably the furthest from the entry exits of anyone, so we had to run a bit. Had a couple of fumbles with the bike shoes and helmet, but we're talking less than 10 seconds. Pretty quickly in and out.

Nothing I can think of.

Being only a 9-miler, I decided to give it my all for the entire bike. I hammered the pedals and averaged 23.5 MPH for the bike, a personal best. I was passing plenty of people which felt great and only got passed by 3 or 4 people. I knew I had to get some distance on the bike as I'm not a very fast runner.
The course was pretty tight though. One traffic lane in each direction, so passing was a little tough when you came up to a clump of riders. Barely room for 3 bikes side to side, so you couldn't lose concentration even for a second! A little nerve-wracking.

Nada. This was my best bike ride in a tri, but not "amazing" considering the short length of the ride.

Bing, bang, boom. Took off the helmet, took off bike shoes, put on visor and shoes (speed laces) and grabbed the race belt and started running. I was really thirsty, but figured I'd drink at the water stations. Didn't want to take the time in T2 to do it.

Nothing I can think of.

Started the run at a pace I thought I could maintain for 3.1 miles. Felt good and upped the pace about 1/2 way through, but after spending myself on the bike, I should have had some Gatorade or gel or something maybe. Usually don't need it on short races, but I really powered on the bike. Anway, my goal was to run about 8.30 miles. Not sure what my run split was just yet, but initially it doesn't look like I made it. We'll see when the splits are posted. Felt like I was going fast (for me).

Just run faster. I need to do more sprint work, but I've been training for a HIM, so I've been doing endurance training only! I have to learn how to drink from the paper cups while running. I bend them to funnel the water, but drinking from those cups while running always makes me choke, and I don't want to stop to drink.

Walked around and had a couple cups of water. They were supposed to have free pizza for competitors, but it was gone by the time my wave (the 8th) started rolling across the finish line. Bummer too because the thought of that pizza had me racing for the finish! Ha, ha. Had a banana piece and then packed it up and went home. I was home before 10:30am.


My running speed. I'm just not fast because I don't train for running speed. Maybe that will come next year.


The lack of pizza and narrow bike lanes were a bit of a drag, but otherwise, the race was a decent one. Not one that blew me away like the Camp Pendleton Race did a few weeks ago though. The volunteers were great and helpful and race officials were terrific! That goes a long way!