Navigation for the first half (outbound) was great. However, the sun came out during the swim, and when we rounded the bouy, the sun was directly in our eyes. I couldn't make out any bouys or landmarks at all. I got off course and ended up swimming into the oncoming racers at one point, probably added at least 200 extra meters. The sun turned out to be a real problem for quite a few people.

Tinted goggles? But I don't think it would have helped in this case.

Transition was a little slower than I hoped, although I can't think of any one thing that caused it. I did sit down to get socks on, but did that really cost me much time?

May need to start racing without my HR strap, since I put it on during T1. Go sockless? No problem for cycling, but would need to train for it in my running shoes. hmmm.. frustrating

Harder than I expected. Tailwind on outbound direction gave nice averages in the 24-26mph range, but my speed on the return with the headwind dropped to 16-19. By the 5th lap, it was difficult to maintain 16mph.

Cadence was good, but I need to work on sustained power. Will hit some more hills on road days; and hopefully the new trainer will let me work on general strength.

A good T2 -> same time as the 1st place finisher and elite in my age group.

Did not like a very good performance, although the end results weren't horrible. Sore shins very early, but a quick pause and they dissipated. Caught up with Aaron (Ballenger), who had been racked next to me and we traded positions on the bike, and we ran together for a bit. Didn't really feel like I was running well until somewhere between the 1/4 and 1/2 point. However, the second half was rough. I ended up walking the crest of a couple of the hills and several of the water stations. My stomach was getting unsettled at one point. At least the final downhill section made for a nice finishing kick.

Need to work more on hills, running in the heat, and bricks.

Mostly just water, then found Aaron (JeepFleeb) and Haley (Comet) and hung out for a bit.


Leg strength (bike power). Run conditioning and speed.


A good race on a nice, mostly closed course. The new hill section for the 10k course made for a good challenge. It was great to see the other BT folks there. (Thanks for all the cheering, Haley, Andy, et. al.!)
Things seemed well organized and not too hectic, and there were plenty of volunteers.