Swim was nice and fast for me. I had figured on 50-55 minutes, and beat that easily. Navigation was the key, and I stayed right on my line. Once I rounded the far bouy, the sun was right in my eyes, so sighting became very difficult. However, I figured out that if I kept the sun on my right eyebrow, I kept right on line. I felt really good finishing the swim, which is great for me cause I really am not very comfortable with this leg of the journey.

Get some tinted goggles to help with the sun and sighting.

I took my time in transition to get the heartrate down and my head in the game. I know I can do transitions faster than this, but with this being my first half IM distance event, I was being extra careful. There is a long run from the beach to transition too. Fastest time in my AG for transition was 3:08.

Nothing. It was a solid transition and accomplished my goals i.e. heartrate down and nothing missed.

The wind started in our face, and I figured that was cool because it would really push us after the turn halfway. Unfortunaley, the wind turned so I felt like it was a headwind probably 75% of the ride. My powermeter really paid for itself, as I was able to keep a nice steady, comfortable effort, even though by mind and body kept saying GO GO GO!

Put in more mileage ahead of time. Consider wearing real cycling shorts over the tri-suit for the extra padding.

Another solid transition, with my taking a little extra time to change socks and make sure I was mentally in the game. I can probably shave a full minute off this time if I really push it and don't change socks.

Nothing. Sock change was the right call.

I've never run a half of full marathon before. I had put a lot of run training in this spring, but my summer training plans fell apart pretty severly. I knew the run was going to be tough, and I set a goal of 10 minute miles. With training I am confident I can drop this time to 9 or even 8:30 minute miles. Anyway, the run was great until mile 10, and then it became a pure sufferfest. I did execute my plan, which was to walk each aid station. My first 8 miles were between 8:30 and 9:00 minute miles. Around mile 9, my legs just didn't have it in them, and kept getting progressively slower. Other than the aide stations, no walking though. Thank goodness the last mile is right in town though, as there was NO WAY I was going to start walking in front of an audience :-)

Train more for the distance. Work on my hydration and nutrition plan on the run.

Stretching, food, drink.


Not enough training over the summer. This race happened because of all the hard work from this winter and spring, not because of anything I did this summer. I need to consider doing fewer sprints and olys, so I can stay on my training plan easier.


What a great place for a first-ever half IM. I would do this again.