The first 50 yards are straight out to the first buoy with the sun right in your face. With only 50 yards to the first buoy it was a tight pack with a fair amount of jostling. I've been working very hard on my swimming so started in the middle of the second row. I had a good start and got to the turn in good shape avoiding some of the backup. I was using new tinted goggles with a few drops of anti-fog just to be sure but wouldn't you know it one eye fogged up. This made it difficult for me to sight the turnaround buoy. There were no interim buoys so it was quite far. There was a little bit of chop on the water with an occasional boat wake or two but much calmer than it could have been had the wind been blowing harder.

I felt like I had a good swim overall. I could have gone harder but wanted to be comfortable getting on the bike. When I saw my split later I realized that I probably pushed it a little harder than I thought. I don't draft well especially with the slightly murky water though someone behind seemed to be managing just fine as I felt fingertips on my feet for a good portion of the race.

Not much. Test my race day goggles before race day. Doh!!

I had a couple weeks of OWS training so felt comfortable with transition from pool to OWS conditions.

Got my wetsuit off well. I had bodyglided my feet and ankles which is the only part that ever gives me any hang up. None today. I use silicone ear plugs and had one of them break in half as I pulled it out. It seemed like it took forever to dig it out. I was sure I would have an awful T1 time and couldn't believe I was only 1:15.

Not much. Had everything wired except for the earplugs.

Got to race with my new disc wheel for the first time. I tried to keep my effort in check throughout the ride to try and save as much for the run. Like the swim, I think I worked a little harder than I thought at the time.

The ride was pretty uneventful and I was very thankful that the headwind on the outbound leg of the ride was less than in previous years. I was pretty surprised that the bike was my strength on the day relative to the field. I worked pretty hard on the trainer over the winter and spring yet had only a handful of rides on the road. I guess carrying my training over from last year helped a lot.

Get some longer rides in on the roads and hit more hills. I also did not have my bike computer hooked up because the sensor pickups don't have enough clearance with the disc. I rely on the speedometer to fine tune my gearing especially early in the season. Maybe I can rig it to the front tire.

I was pretty conservative with my dismount. I didn't feel like risking a cramp by pulling my feet out on the bike and just ran to my T2 spot with my shoes on. The transition area was small so I didn't think the risk of mishap was worth it. I felt smooth but not overly fast. Was shocked that I was under a minute.

Nothing given the circumstances.

I knew coming into the race that the race would be defined by how well I preserved myself for the run. I have not had a great tri run in quite a while.
I focused heavily on my running over the past months and was sure I'd have a strong run but alas I never really got going. First half was ok time-wise but I felt heavy. Struggled on mile 5 before recovering a little for the finish.

I was very conscious of conserving energy on the swim and bike but I must have put out more than I should have or I didn't get enough calories in. Someday I will figure this out.

I think I need to do my bricks with less rest between bike and run. I usually feel very strong on my bricks but I think the extra few minutes casually changing are making the bricks too easy. I also think that a bit more road time on the bike will put me in a better position to run.

Just a few hugs and a walk back to the hotel. Dipped my legs in the hotel's cold pool water. Stopped in Leavenworth on the way home and spent a few hours in the beer garden.


I think I hit on enough excuses above. Overall a pretty good day.


This is really a great event. The warmer temps are such a bonus this time of year. Fast, straightforward course and BUDU does a great job of organizing. This is my second time doing this race and is one of my favorites.