Really choppy out - difficult to sight over the waves. I did not feel like the current was a big factor, so ignored the advice of the race director and bee-lined it for the swim finish after about 500 yards. Felt like I was by myself for the majority of the swim with the occasional surprise crashing onto a swimmer from over a wave.

Skipped the shoe bag and headed straight for T1. Felt like this was a better move since most people were stopping to put on shoes.I did not feel like the gravel was going to be much of a factor. A little trouble with the wetsuit when I got to bike, but not too bad. Shoved an entire HoneyStonger waffle in my mouth and took off with the bike.

I could have have skipped the neoprene booties - would have saved me a little time. Possibly tape the waffle to my frame and eaten on the first mile.

Glad I did a lot of hill work before. That really helped prepare me for these hills, which turned out to be shorter than I thought. Definitely did better on the bike than I had expected. Had one misshift on a hill going out that cost me about 30 seconds, but was able to catch up to those who passed me.

Be faster.

Holy crap - I was surprised to get back to T2 and see that there were only a handful of bikes!

I was hurting on the hills. Struggling to stay on pace and the sand and sand ladder took a toll. Left it all out there in the last 2 miles. mad that I saw 2 age groupers pass me and another guy burned me on a sprint in the finishing chute. I did slightly better than I expected.

More brick and hill work for the run!

Stretch and ate some carbs, banana, muscle milk.


Certainly a race worthy of a bucket list. Well organized, lots of excitement. Did not feel like I was in danger at all. Since I live on the east coast, I don't think I would be doing this one again, but am glad I did it.