The water was freezing after all the rain we had the week before the race. After the start, I ran in to the water and attempted to get into my freestyle stoke. However, the water was so cold that every time I stuck my face in the water it literally took my breath away. I ended up breast stroking the first 250 yards or so. After about 250 yards my face got numb and I was able to get into my stroke and make up some time.

Warm up to prevent the intital shock of hitting that cold water.

I had difficulty getting one foot out of suit. I don't think it cost more than a few seconds though.

Not much

I was holding on to a ~20mph average until the few hills at the end. I obviously had some difficulty with those bringing my average down. The hill at the end was about .66 miles and fairly steep. I averagede about 8mph the whole way up. Really sad.

Find some hills to train on.

Not a bad transition.

Have to practice shoes off on bike before next season.

Calves were near cramping off the bike and that on top all the roots on the trail run made for a slow first mile. 2 mile was mostly along a flat road and I got in my 7:40 mile pace. 3rd mile included 'the hill' and it was all I could do to put one foot in front of the other. I got passed by a few folks on this segment.

Hill training.

Walked around and light stretching.


No hill training proved to be a real factor in this one. I plan to work on bike strength and run endurance over the off season. That should help next year.


Race morning package pick-up resulted in a late swim start. No complaints because it allowed the sun to warm things up a bit. Police and volunteers that directed the course were great. Needed more drinks on the run.