Had some issues at the beginning. I was stuck between two people that kept hitting me in the head. Luckily I didn't lose my googles, but it didn't send my HR up too high. Eventually I regained my composure, moved to the inside of the buoys, and found my rhythm. I burped a few times to get rid of the water I took in while I was being pelted in the head. Other than that, it was a pretty uneventful swim. I took it slow b/c I didn't spend much time in the water training for this race. I was really happy with how straight I swam. I didn't get off course once, which I think is a first for me. I can go faster, but need to train a bit more to make that happen.

Start on the inside

Not terrible considering we had to put our gear into a bag.

Nothing

Started the bike feeling really solid. I didn't push too hard, but at the 20 mile mark I was averaging just under 23 mph, with a moderate effort level. Stayed solid until about mile 45, and really started to slow down. Same thing happened to me at Kansas 70.3. I guess I need to do some more strength work and get in more long rides. I also think I need more nutrition on the bike. I took in 6 gels and about 8 salt tabs. 2 more gels would have been better. It also was a bit warmer later in the ride, and all of those turns on the course took a toll. The difference between Kansas HIM and this one is that I stayed mentally stronger and felt better prepared for the run b/c of it.

Not wear aero helmet, it felt hot later in the ride. Eat a couple more gels.

Slow, since I put my socks on, but not terrible.

Maybe bring a visor.

Started out the first half mile feeling good, which is usually how I feel coming off the bike. However, I started feeling like I had to pee after that. Somewhere after mile 1, I gave in and hit the port a potty. I went for a full 30 seconds. I guess I was taking in enough water on the bike, which is good, but damn I thought I would never stop. My stomach started feeling bad from mile 2-6 and I had to force down a gel and some salt tabs, all the while drinking water. The Sun and hills were getting to me at this point, but I tried to turn my mind off as much as possible and keep going. Eventually The gel and salt worked their magic and I started feeling much better. I had another gel and some more salt and was running somewhere around 7:30/mile on the flats and trying to stay smooth on the hills. The towels in Walter E Long park were amazing and right on time for the last 2 loops. The band that was playing on the last stretch of road, (the one just after they gave out the flavored ice popcicles) as you headed towards the arena was rocking. It helped my motivation. I was really trying to get under 5 hours, and knew it was going to be close. However, I somehow hit the stop button on my watch at 4:39. I pushed hard the last mile or 2, but didn't quite make it under 5 hours. Something to shoot for next time. I know I can go faster, I just have to get my nutrition dialed in a bit better.

Better nutrition on the bike. Take in a gel a bit earlier on the run.

Looked for an ice bath. Hugged wife and kids, and waited for Johnny to finish. No ice bath so I got some little bags of ice an put them on my hamstrings. I had to drive a rental car back home, and they were killing me the whole ride.


Not enough nutrition on the bike.


Well run event. I like the Arena finish, but it was pretty dank in their by 2:30. I think Galveston is still a better venue, but this race is more challenging. The only thing I would add is ice baths, like the ones they had waiting for us at Kansas 70.3
Great job Endorfun!