I lined up at the front and left side of the group and started running for the water when the gun went off. I saw a lot of people in the wave before me "wading" pretty far out. So, I decided to wade until it seemed difficult and then swim (this was about when the water was thigh level). It was weird to see people next to me still wading for so long after I decided to swim. They weren't passing me and my overall effort level seemed to decrease when I switched. So, I think I made the right decision. Sighting was good - no missed buoys or straying from the course. At the end I swam until my hands touched the ground and then started running. Swim time included a run up the beach to transition.

Not much. I was generally pleased with the effort. Dolphin diving may have helped overall - but, I have never practiced it, so I didn't try it.

No issues.

Washed my feet off with a water bottle, put on my socks, put on my helmet, put on my glasses, and then grabbed the bike and headed for the mount line.

My shoes were attached to my pedals. My mount, getting up to speed, and getting in my shoes all went well.

Someday I will race without socks...

This was my first race with my Cervelo P3 and absolutely loved racing it. The wind was definitely a factor on this course. Generally it was either a tailwind (on the out) or a headwind (on the return). I decided that "watts-wise" I would work a little harder in the headwind and then recover a little in the tailwind. This equated to 30+ mph recovering and 18ish mph working (ironic huh?) I drank from my water bottle at each turn-around and tried to stay aero the rest of the time.

Not much. Maybe pushed just a little harder when I had a tailwind.

No issues. I dismounted with my bike (leaving my shoes on the pedals), ran to my spot, racked my bike, removed my helmet, slipped (Yankz laces) on my running shoes, grabbed my race belt and visor - then headed out for the run. I put on my visor and race belt while running.

Nothing - great transition for me!

My plan was to hold 7:15 for 5 miles and then put everything I had left into the last mile (with hopes to make it my fastest mile of the run portion). Everything was fine up until mile 5. The short steep hills had taken their toll on me and I just wasn't able to keep the plan in check. Mile 5 and 6 were mentally challenging for me. I hung on as best as I could.

Run more in training.

Drank (alternated beer with sports drink), ate tacos, and generally had a good time at the post race party!


Run endurance... I need to run more.


Another great event by Red Rock!