Weather was perfect. Light rain from miles 7-17 but very light winds. Made sure not to start off too aggresively and just settled in. Felt great at the turnaround and slowly applied more power. Averaged 286 the last 8 minutes.

29:01 out @ 257w
29:13 back @ 267w
last 8 minutes @ 286w

Mentally, it wasn't much of a struggle since I think I set really conservative goals, but it seemed to pay off with great results as I had lots of power at the end.

I think only about 5 of the 20 teams posted better times than my unofficial run. Winning time was 53:40ish I believe.

Differences between this run and my 1:00:30 last year

1. 4 more watts (measured on PT)
2. Similar course, but almost no wind compared to normal 15-20 mph winds
3. I started out easier making sure I got down to target wattage after 60 seconds.
4. GP4000S front/back compared to Vittoria Open Corsa Evo front back
5. Latex tubes front/back compared to just latex front.
6. Cockpit is about 1 inch lower
7. Skinsuit and shoe covers compared to just an UA long sleeve compression shirt and bike shorts

Off all these factors, #1, #2, and #3 likely counted the most. Regarding #3, my goal at last years TT was 270 watts, but started out at 350w for the first minute, and 285w for the first 6 minutes. I think this really put me in the red zone way too early and I never recovered, finishing way down at 253. This year I was at 311 for the first minute, and 261 for the first 6 minutes...right on my 260 goal. I probably could have push a few more watts early on, but I never felt that I was in the red zone until the last few miles. Instead of breathing heavy early on, I was kind of bored the first 8 miles. Really helped me hold things together on the second half.

Hopefully I'll be recovered and rested after Honu for States and can start out at 267, and hopefully push up to 270. Even if the winds blow, I think that may be good enough for 58-58:30

Not much. Maybe push 3 more watts.

Didn't feel too wasted after. Actually could talk to people as I didn't completely empty the tank. Chatted for about 10 minutes then went out and did another run of the course at much more conservative power.