Wow, what an amazing swim. This was the part that had me the most concerned. A mass start of over 2000 athletes? I was happy that I had come here for the swim practice and had jumped off the dock into the water to get an idea of what it would be like. The start was a bit crazy, and although I found a good place to hang on at the start, I ended up right in the middle of everything. It took me at least 15 minutes to find some clear water to swim in. That being said, everyone was polite and careful when contact was made. Although it was a washing machine, it was a polite washing machine.
I wore my tri-top, since this is what I usually do at races, so as not to have to dance around trying to pull on a tight top when wet in T1. This backfired in a huge way, as I chaffed on my neck, shoulders and underarms. I could feel the skin had already been rubbed raw by the first mile.

Not wear the tri top. Ouch, that hurt.
Also, better positioning to get on the outside or inside.

So, I had to stop at medical for a second to get some vaseline for my chaffing. Took a quick shower and then into the changing tent. I didn't sit down, but got on my socks, sweatband, helmet and sunglasses.
I put my gear in my pockets (need to remember to put this stuff on the bike) and jogged out to my bike. I decided to take the shoes off the pedals and wear them, rather than ride on top, as I didn't want to be a hazard.

Keep ALL the bike tools on the bike, rather than in jersey.
Buy one of those salt stick dispensers.

used my ibike to keep on my power numbers and it really helped. Tried to make the "go slow" decision whenever I ran into a pack or group and was worried about drafting. Felt solid just about the whole time, but I did have some stomach discomfort about 3 hours in. Probably was drinking too much water.
Also, had a little bit of a inner thigh cramp, but an extra few electrolytes took care of it.

Not much, this went just about right.

Wow, never spent that much time without clipping out. Not the same as a training ride.
T2 was kind of crowded and I had trouble getting organized. I even started to go out without my sunglasses, which would have sucked. It took me a while, but overall, I was happy not to rush.

Practice a little. I really didn't work the transitions, but since my goal was to finish happy, it was OK.

I felt great off the bike, and knew I needed to slow down. It was hard to do. Eventually, I ran out of steam. However, it felt great to be out running and I am still pretty happy with my time. I was hoping to come in under 5, but all things considered, I did OK.
The walk part of my run walks got a little long, but I did run most of the race, and am VERY happy that my last loop was faster than the second loop.
I had some cramping, and some more stomach discomfort, but I ate and was worried about running out of energy.

Train better. I let some of my run training slide.

Cross finish, eat Pizza, get cup o soup, finishers shirt, take pictures with family.
Got bike, when back to hotel, and took a 10 minute ice bath.
Was Sooooo Cold. Crawled into bed with fleece jacket on.


Training, some nutrition issues. Overall, I give myself a B+ for execution, so I am pretty darned happy.


Loved this race, and would do it again. Can't recommend enough to stay in town so you can easily stumble home.