The water level was pretty low so the beach was clay muck for about 75 yds. Also there is no way the swim was that long (880m). I talked to someone later they heard it was more like 750m. Probably at least a minute (maybe two) from the water to T1.

I would have gone harder at the start but was not feeling great. I found a good pace and stuck with it. Went hard the last 100 yards.

Much faster than my last race. One thing I was determined to do was not sit down. Got my shoes on fast too. This being XTerra I would never leave transition without my shoes on. Was able to buckle my hydration pack on the road before the singletrack started.

I didn't need my gloves. Next time I think I will go gloveless or keep them handy in the pack.

I was a bit worried about this course as it is not the typical kind of riding I do. Most Front Range riding is a huge climb followed by a huge descent. This was flat so it was GO FAST ALL THE TIME.

When there finally was a short climb my feeling crappy all morning finally caught up with me. I had to stop or I thought I would puke. I decided to ride a bit easier from there. I could tell my lack of training was catching up with me. What's that saying...I was writing checks my body couldn't cash.

Saw someone hurt in a sandy switchback. Someone was with them. Then I could hear the ambulance and fire truck for the rest of the race. May have seen someone else hurt too but she was standing and a ranger was with her. Hope everyone turns out ok.

More training riding super fast on a flatter trails. The same thing happened to me years ago on RAGBRAI...I'm so used to riding hills that I go too fast and blow up on flats.

Next year I might have a hard tail for races. I love my Ibis Mojo but I think those super fat tires and all that travel take up a lot of efficiency. A hard tail would be perfect for this (but I'd still take my Mojo to Curt Gowdy)

I felt this was quick and efficient.

Nothing that I can think of. I really think I did this as best I can. Not sure what the hell I was thinking changing my socks in my last race!

Was not feeling good coming out of T2 but I was determined not to walk. I know if I can keep a shuffle going no matter how slow I will feel better eventually and can pick it up. I was worried if I started walking I would be done for and walk the whole 8k.

Several people passed me right away...I couldn't care...there was nothing I could do. It was starting to get brutal hot. One of the guys who passed me was stopped at the aid station. I slow shuffled past him and he came up behind me. I told him to holler if he wanted to pass and he said he would stay with me if I didn't mind. We chatted a bit. It was a nice distraction. I honestly don't know if I would have made it without him.

At the top we started passing more people and I knew I was doing the best I could at the time. Coming down he took off so I picked it up as fast as I could maintain without my knees hurting. The last 1/2 mile or so was flat so I went as fast as I could muster. I felt strong coming into the slip-n-slide at the finish!

What a way to end a race! My head was pounding from the heat the last 100 yards and as soon as I came out of the water I felt better.

Train more!

Walked around and had a Wahoo's fish burrito. Won a $10 gift certificate at the raffle! They were giving away a wetsuit but it involved some quick racing that I did not have in me. My daughter wanted me to go for it but I think I would have puked AND lost.


Training, training, training


Without Limits Productions continues to put together great races! I'll see them next year.