1st 2 loops were like a dream, the last one I got caught up in the M25-29 start and got swam over twice, elbowed and a host of other fun stuff. It threw my rythm into chaos until they got ahead of me. Overall,this was the highlight of my day and that is a VERY ironic statement.

Swim faster than the 25-29M!

Since this was nothing more than a big training day for me, I was methodical and didn't hurry a bit through this process, OBVIOUSLY!

This was my third week in a row of racing so my coach wanted me to stick in Z2/3 and only hit Z4 for the climbs. YEAH RIGHT. This is my first effort on this type of terrain so I found myself panting like a dog, well into Z5 on most of them. I have a double and was in the easiest gear spinning away the best I could. Tried to recoup on the descend. Overall,I am happy with this performance-I didn't fall over and I never had to walk my bike like some of the other people did.

My biggest mistake was fueling. I just don't have it down on how to do that on the bike. I had a new rear bottle holder installed for this event,but couldn't figure out when to use it, up the hill I was dying and down the hill didn't seem right either. I maybe took in 8 oz of fluid and 80 calories. Not enough.

FUEL! The ride was good, the decision making on fueling was awful.

Strolled through T2. I was a little looped at this point. Grabbed 8oz of Carb Pro and hit the road.

This was one of the most awful performances. Normally I am struggling to breathe because I am above my LT, today not so. I did take my inhaler in T2, but I had zero energy to keep going. Started walking up the first "mountain" and was planning to run down it. NOPE--hamstring cramp. Blew at least 2 minutes trying to get rid of it while hobbling down the hill. The remainder was a spent talking myself into running from one sign to another and hoarding H20 which by now was a little late. Finally got it together the last half of the last loop, but by then my time was in the toilet.

FUEL on the bike. Real rookie error. I absolutely detest walking on the run!

It was 85F at the end so I basically drank down two bottles of H20 and waited for a friend to come in. Looked at the food, but nothing seemed even remotely appealing.

Slammed some chocolate milk when I got to the car.


Bad hydration and calorie consumption on the bike. It was hot, but my legs were not cashed, my head was.

Despite downing 40oz of fluid post race my weight was still down over 2lbs when I got home and I weigh 100lbs Dumb.


This event was put on by RACEDAY EVENTS LLC and it was top notch. I know the RD and was really pleased to see how well his company did. It started on time, the course, was marked, the volunteers happy, and while it was a difficult course it was well worth trying to conquer. I will definitely do this next year and be more prepared for it!