As I mentioned above I'm in the middle of learning flip turns. They are not perfected but I can do them correctly most of the time, so I made the decision to use them during the race. I got out to a fast start maybe a little too fast as there was a 15 second difference between my first and second lap. The main problem I have with flip turns is I push off the wall too hard and water breaks the suction of my goggles. This definitely happened because my right goggle was flooded after the first lap. One thing I was very proud of is that I concentrated on MY swim and did not pay attention to 'racing' others.

Maybe pace myself better but overall I am very happy with my time. I should have spent more time immediately before my heat to get my goggles situated and fulled sealed but I might just need to tighten them to avoid flooding. This swim was a learning experience.

Got out of the pool took off my goggles and realized somewhere during the swim (probably the first lap when they flooded) I lost my right contact. I did not expect that. I look around in my goggles a little bit hoping it is still in there and come to the realization that the rest of my race (and 2 hr drive home) will be with only one contact. I throw on shorts and socks grab my helmet, glasses, and shirt then make the 100 yd run to the bike. During the run I put on my shirt helmet and sunglasses. I figured I'm not doing anything else during that run so why not put on clothes and helmet during that run. It worked out very well. I talked to a couple participants after the race and they said they wished they would've done that.

Definitely learn to jump on the bike and get into shoes while they are already clipped in.

Into a 15 mph headwind on the first 3 miles that took quite a bit out of me. On top of that one person passed me around mile 2 and by mile 5 he was gone. Pretty discouraging. Came back on a 3 mile section that was 15 mph headwind and is now a 15 mph tailwind. Ah the glorious tailwind. The feeling of riding at 26-30 mph feeling effortless. This race had a lot of turns but there were adequate volunteers to help us along. I could feel my upper calves starting to cramp for a few brief seconds at the top of the pedal stroke hoping that it would hold off until the end of the bike and it did.

Bike portion was pretty solid but I do need to focus more on improving my bike. Bike balance is also another area I would like to improve.

Everything went as planned in T2.

Nothing

Took off pretty fast again and had to hold myself back to keep a good pace. Noticed the guy who passed me during the bike was within catchable distance so that was my goal for the run portion. Everything went good. All training runs i use an mp3 player and this time I didn't which I realized was a big mistake. During the run I kept thinking about how tired I was instead of paying attention to the music. I need to start training more similar to the way I race. Right before mile 3 I was event with the guy who passed me on the bike which was a great feeling. I tried to encourage and motivate him to keep it up, finish strong and give it all he has but he was pretty gassed. I think I ran the last mile in under 7 minutes which for me is a very proud time.

Nothing

Bananas oranges Gatorade


Not saying I would have been faster if my contact wouldn't have feel out but it would've made it more comfortable.


No drink stations on any part of the course but with it being a sprint don't really know if it would be needed but I could've used one. Not post race awards or anything afterwards. They did have bananas, grapes, oranges and refreshments. I would do this race again. Race map was off but like i said they had good amount of volunteers directing you. Should have an awards ceremony. Race results will not be available until Monday at which I will post on here.