I haven't run this kind of distance in a Du for a while, so my strategy was to try not to get caught up in the opening sprint, run my own pace, try to ignore people passing me, and be a little conservative. The start was a little cramped, and not terribly well organized (given that we were being yelled at only after the start to stay on the trail in order to run over the first timing mat), so I couldn't have got a flyer if I'd wanted to but predictably most people ran away from me. By the end of the first loop, however, I was beginning to pass people. Not many, but a few. The course was pretty tiring; my HR was in high zone 4 for most of it.

I was happy with the time, but I still think I went out a little too fast, my HR was still pretty high when I hit the bike.

Not one of my better transitions, but still faster than in Charlotte.

I need to figure out an easier system for coordinating changing my Forerunner over to the bike. I had a good system where I'd put on the helmet and take off my shoes simultaneously, but now there is an extra element.

Nothing can prepare you for your own acts of stupidity! I recently got the bike and cadence mount for my Garmin and I've been practicing transferring the unit between hand and bike. But what I completely spaced on was setting the multisport recording function going. I thought I had done it, but when I started on the bike, I realized that it was still recording using all the run units. So I had no indication of what my speed was, my cadence, or how much distance I'd covered. Fortunately the distance was marked on the road at 5 mile intervals. But I had to bike completely by feel. Pushed the bike really hard, climbing mostly in my large chain ring. Had a prolonged passing duel with one guy and then finally put him away right near the end. The whole last part of the ride was pretty tough, however, and I was hurting, one muscle in the inside of my groin in particular.

Learn how to turn my friggin watch on!

I didn't quite finish all my drink, so I need to work on that.

The cramp on the inside of my leg is something I've had before and it tells me that I should have been taking some endurolytes. This was backed up by the fact that when I peeled off my gear I had a lot more salt encrustation than usual. I tend to think of taking Endurolytes only when it's really hot, but when I'm really pushing it I tend to need them as well. Something to remember.

I felt a little rushed and disorganized, but the time was still pretty good.

Again, the times seem to indicate the course was a little short, but oh well!

The first mile was a little hard because my feet were frozen. And I was beginning to feel negative thoughts creeping in. So just after mile one I basically mentally bitch-slapped myself into thinking more positive. Mile three was hard, coming back up at the hill for a second time, but by this time I was feeling as if I was running consistently at least, and I was beginning to pass people, a rarity with me on a second run! I pushed the last downhill, recovered a bit and then tried to pick it up for the last quarter mile, but not as much as I would have liked.

I took a gel and water about halfway through. I think I would have benefited from drinking a little more, however.

Very tired, and already stiffening up. So I made sure I stretched thoroughly.


I pretty much gave it my all for this race. Knowing my speed on the bike could have been a help--but then it could also have been a hindrance.


I've done two races in this series now, and I'm quite impressed. The courses have been quite challenging and very fair, favoring all rounders. The only criticism of this race I had was that the start was a bit of a mess, and they needed more bike racks. We were packed in like sardines!

I heard some people talking after the race about how they had got lost or been sent the wrong way or something. But the turns were well marked, and it's ultimately the racer's responsibility to know the course. If you don't scout it out beforehand, then you take your chances and can't blame the event organizers.