Usually I say that my first 700m was bad, but since that is normal, I will say it was average today :). It was a rolling start and we set up at the back of 32-36min. This is a bit fast for me, but figured I could try and get on some feet and hold on. Felt difficult for until first turn, a bit of gasping due to cold water. Just tried to get into a rhythm as quickly as possible and focus on form. After the second turn, felt more comfortable, but still like I was struggling a bit. Tried to find feet, but either ended up passing or in open water. Tried to pick it up for the last couple hundred meters; started to get a bit choppy (although nothing like the short course people dealt with on Saturday!) Got out of the water and checked my watch--35 min! Holy crap the swim of my life. No wonder I felt like I was struggling. Official time of under 35 minutes--I spent the evening wondering if someone forgot to start the clock!
Took a gel 30 min before start.

Not much!

Long run to T1 and it took me about half of it to find the cord to my zipper. I think it was tucked up under my neck. Found it before I got to transition and was able to get out of my suit easily at my bike.

Plan was to stay between 150 and 155 watts and I did so. NP was 149 for the race. Second part I was getting fatigued, but made myself hold the watts and did. Took a gel every 30 min starting at 15min into the ride; one oat bar at about 2 hours. Did really well with my nutrition today, which was a focus. Thought I was going to hit a sub 3, but just a bit short.

Still need to learn to push a bit on the bike. Was really happy with my nutrition, and hydration. I had done a sweat test early season and used much bigger electrolyte drink and it really helped deal with the heat.

My focus was to focus. I can hold paces in training, hard paces, but always back off/bail/walk in races. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do this. I have always said that if I get out of my own way, I can do more than I know. So I decided that I was going to go out and race. Take my training into the race and give 'er. I had written on my arm--"The body achieves what the mind believes". Last year in New Orleans, I had issues with wheezing on the run--not being able to get a breath, feeling like my lungs were closing. I don't have asthma, so didn't know why it was happening. Learned in training that the feeling was always preceded by the thought "I can't do this". I believed that, so my body made sure I couldn't. Today was going to be all about "Yes I can".
Fairly good hill about 1km in and got up and over. I was on pace for a sub 2 hr run for the first 11km. I was hurting, but making it happen. Focus, yes, it's hard, but you can do it. Any time negative thoughts showed up, I told them to shut up. Walked aid stations, made sure I got in nutrition and salt tabs. Started to struggle at km 12 or 13. I was developing hot spots on the balls of both feet, so each step hurt. But I was determined to not give in. Continued to walk aid stations and ended up walking up a couple hills, but each time told myself to get going. Lots of mental work! Run ends through the village with tons of spectator support lining the path, but a big hill first. Okay, get on up, cause at the top its all downhill.

Keep pushing. This was a good race for me. I managed the heat really well, when I usually struggle. I did have moments of nausea as usual, but way less than normal, and I didn't use it as an excuse to walk. I think a big part was a focus on electrolytes. I took in about 1500mg of sodium on the bike and I think 1000mg on the run. Also pushed myself on nutrition, taking it in even when I thought I couldn't.

Eat watermelon and drink water.


My head. Work in progress, but happy with the progress that I have made this season so far.


This was a great race. Great organization, great (and lots of) volunteers. Very well organized, festival feeling, super crowd support. Highly recommend!