My swim is always my worst part. I have had trouble over the past year with my open water swims. Even though my pace doesn't seem fast, this swim was extremely good for me. I kept telling myself before the race that I could swim well. I positioned myself on the front line knowing there was going to be some bumping and grinding. I need to get used to it at some point so today was the day. The horn went and I just went. There was some bumping and grinding and I just kept going. Before I would stop and poke my head out of the water to find open room but I just kept swimming. For the first time ever I drafted as well which was awesome. It was only for about 150-200 yards but it was drafting none the less. I was 8th out of the water in my wave. I was extremely happy with that performance.

Not much, I probably could have swam a bit harder but that is just nit picking.

Unfortunately the shower they had set up off of the swim exit to wash off all of the sludge wasn't on yet so I took some extra time to get it off with my towel. Got the shoes on and off I went.

Nothing.

Live and learn... The bike ride was the downfall to my race being a better race today. I went out and rode at a comfortable pace on the first road (which was the headwing). Passed a couple people off the bat and settled in about 8 bike lengths from another guy. As soon as we hit the first sharp turn I took off since the headwind was gone. I was around 26-27mph and just hammering down. I felt good at the time and kept riding and passed another 4 riders. Hit the headwind road again and was going 2-3mph faster than the first loop. It was too late to back off since I was probably only 3-4 miles from T2 so I went with it knowing I would have to hang on for my run.

Better pacing. I should have known better. Also take in more liquid.

Not much to report here. I got to transition and there were 3 bikes on the rack, a pretty cool site since I am usually one of the last waves to go and there is always bikes racked before mine.

Nothing.

This was nothing but me holding on to what I had left. Originally I was hoping for 6:45-7:00 miles but there was no chance on hitting that today. I was passed about 1/2 mile into the run and again around 3/4 of a mile. I was passed by a small group again around 1.5 miles and then again by a duathlon runner around 2 miles. Finally was passed about 1/4 mile from the finish and I just hung onto that guy to the end. It was kind of embarassing yet a good learning experience at the same time. I was able to pick my pace up about half way thru the run as I was feeling a bit better.

Better bike pacing so my run wouldn't suck so much.

Walked around and took a shower under the fire hose to get all of the dirt off of me from the swim. Also had to clean my ears out because they were full of crud too.


Just the bike pacing...


This was a very well run race. From the race reports last year I would like to think the RD got his act together and this years race was MUCH better. Everything was on time and the course was well marked with TONS of volunteers. The fire hall had some good food afterwards as well. The swim was a bit gross but I wouldn't let it stop me from racing this race again in the future. Still not a bad day for getting 3rd in my AG. Even with a solid run I would have been about 30 seconds slower than the guy who ended up in 2nd.