Got punched hard in the right eye about 15 seconds out. Backed off and swam next to noodles. Decent first lap for me exiting the water in 13:11. About a 100 yards out for the second lap, I started following a guy, drafting, for most of lap two. I thought I was going to be faster, felt like I was going easier, but moving faster--must not have been the case.

Move a little faster. I usually swim at a comfortable pace, but I should push it a bit more.

I put shoes on in T1, then run in them till mount line.

I think T1 went pretty well.

Thought course would be faster than previous course, but I guess not. Over two minutes slower for me this year.

Do more hill and TT training. I drank Pina Colada sports drink on the bike, but probably not enough. Also, decided against taking a gel. Mistake? Probably.

Right shoe on first, then squatted down on right leg while extending left to put shoe on. Right leg seized up and cramped. I almost started to panic, but relaxed and it went away.

Nothing--had a decent T2 and lowered T2 time a bit from last year.

I was not quite bonking during the run, but had an overall sense of being drained right from the start.

Not sure. I have more run training in this year than any and had relatively no physical motor movement problems or cramps on the run. My run time was a little faster than last year, but not as much as it should have been. I don't think I took on enough calories on the bike and paid for it in the run.

Stood around and talked. No warmdown run or stretching. Definitely not too smart.


Possibly many factors. Lack of sleep, too much tapering--taper period could have been too long. Should have taken on more calories on the bike.


I like this race--probably my favorite. However, I think FINAL STRETCH did the awards incorrectly. Elites in their own wave should be removed from AG rankings as the rules for the MN State Championship Series dictate. Instead, the Elites received AG placing awards.