Really dogged it on the first run as per my plan. Ran towards the back of the middle of the pack first 1/2 miles on the downhill. Started to pick people off on the uphill the first time. Felt like I ran pretty easy, but since half of it was uphill, it was hard to keep HR down. Legs started to get a little tight on the uphills.

I probably could have shaved a minute of my time if I would have started as fast as I normally do. But starting slow worked out fairly well here due to the hilliness of the course. Passed a lot of people on the uphills.

Had my toe covers on so it was a little tough to get my bike shoes on and strapped. But my toes never got cold even though it was still pretty chilly when we started the bike. Otherwise, a pretty good T1. Not fast, but I just am not good at transistions.

I need to practice transitions...

Bike course was a little longer this year (different route out of transition), but pretty much the same. Didn't feel like I was going as fast as last year, but avg was comparable. My legs felt really tight, not sure why, felt like they might cramp ... but they didn't. Was really worried about for the final 2.2 mile run, but it wasn't an issue. Never got out of the aero position, so that was a positive.

Not in the best bike shape right now, lack of miles due to the cold weather this year. So overall, I was pleased with the result. Felt good to go fast again.

It was a pain getting the bike shoes off (toe covers). Probably didn't need them as it warmed up nicely. Need to get some lacelocks as I struggled getting my shoes tied as usual.

Lacelocks ... have to get some.

Thought my legs were going to be knots getting off the bike, but once I got running a few hundred meters, they loosened up. It was nasty coming up that hill for a fifth and final time, but I didn't really slow too much. Kind of had a duel with another runner for the last mile, he outkicked me the final 100M. Kind of caught me by surprise as he dropped back a bit just before his kick. Actually, looking at the results, my second run was the strongest part of my race.

Nothing really ... went as hard as I could on the final run.

Nothing.


Finish Strong puts on a great race. Was a little disappointed that they changed the run course from a flat to a hilly course, but they said it was for safety reasons ... so you can't argue about that. Everything went off on time, enough encouraging volunteers to make it a safe and enjoyable race. Will do it again next year for the third time.