I finally had what I would consider a good swim in a race. I started out near the back and to the side of my wave and started at a slow steady pace and picked up when I was warmed up. Then I started passing people! That has never happened to me before! I drafted a little but I found I passed those few women because they were going slower then what I had wanted to. I managed to stay within the "pack" for the majority of the race. I was feeling awesome! I didn't need to flip on my back and regroup. I didn't need to stop and catch my breath. Bilat breathing worked great. I did feel the current a bit while heading back in to shore and did get a couple moutfulls of water while getting caught up in the sprint waves but managed to keep my rhythm and focus and get the job done. I have never seen this many spectators left at the swim exit when I leave the water!

Not a darn thing!

I took my wetsuit off in ankle deep water as i've found my T1 times are better when I do. My wetsuit slides off SO MUCH FASTER when wet. then I just carry it to transition. I hosed my feet with a water bottle and slid on my socks and shoes. I did notice I was taking my time a little more than what I normally do but my time is average campared to everyone else.

I could save a couple extra seconds by not weraing socks but nothing really. Helmet, race numberbelt, and sunglasses all went on easy.

A decent bike for me. I was able to maintain a good pace for me and I was able to stay aero for a good portion of it. That is until I wished I had remembered lube for my ummm....girlie parts. By the time I hit mile 18 I felt like my crotch was on fire. I;m sure I looked funny riding a couple hundred yards sitting up with my legs as wide as I could get them. Everything else was good. The one small hill on the course was easy to get over and even more fun on the way back.

I could have pushed a little harder but I'm not sure how that would have reflected in my run time. Regardless, I am happy with my bike performance.

I walked my bike though T2. Not sure why but today my transition just felt like a short little break. Still, I had the best T2 time in my AG.

Jog my bike to the rack, learn to leave my shoes on my bike. Nothing major.

I felt strong right fromthe start of the run. I got to mile 1 faster and easier than I had expected and wanted to pick up the pace but again I had the thought of that hill in my head and I wanted to save my energy to be able to run the hill - which I did. Once I got to the turnaround at the top, I let loose. I picked up my pace and still felt good. I passed a couple people (a first for me in most running races). At mile 4 I started getting really hungry so I grabbed some Heed from the aid station and learned that taste does NOT agree with me. I dumped the rest of that cup and just had more water. Mile 5 had my legs feeling ready to slow but I knew I could keep going until the end and finsh strong. The last 1/2 mile I picked up my pace and was feeling good. I could hear the spectators and announcers voice. The short trail portion flew by me and the campers were cheering me on. I felt GREAT!

Pretty much only carry a gu with me for the run. I didn't think I would get that hungry during the run when I had a gu in the last 5 miles of the bike. Oh, and don't drink the Heed.

Water, food, hugs, and socialize with friends.


My brain. My body felt good enough to be able to push harder but my brain kept saying "save some energy for what's next"....


Overall, I can say this was my best race performance to date! I crossed the finsh line with a smile on my face. I had completed all 3 legs with my best performances and times and although I could have pushed a little harder I have no regrets about this race. I am on a high and I feel like this was a great B race warm up for Steelhead! Bring it on!