My friends and I kept left of the start and at the sound of the horn we were off. About 150 friends. Without doubt this was the roughest start I've ever had. More kicking and punching than I've seen before. I even had my goggles pulled to one side. I didn't want to slow down so I just pulled the goggles back over my right eye and kept swimming expecting to see with only one eye but I was surprised to have no further issues and could see everything clearly.
Just after the start I noticed a fair number of swimmers passing me and for a moment I thought I should be pushing harder but then I remembered not to start out too fast and very soon after I noticed the same swimmers gassing out and falling behind while I carried on.
I did catch some feet and draft from several people and even was surprised to realize I was drafting off a young asian lady that I train with.at times. After a while she drifted off to the right and I swam on.
The swim took most of the first loop to spread out and became more comfortable and I could feel myself swimming faster and straighter.
During the second loop I was surprised to see a fellow just ahead of me swerve right to one of the intermediate buoys (two before the turn around buoy) and swim around the buoy and then continue toward the finish. I first thought he was cheating but then I figured he had more likely crossed over to the wrong side of the buoy then turned back and around the buoy to correct his mistake.
The second loop felt much better and faster. When I hit the beach I checked my Garmin and my actual swim time was 33:34 for 1526m. An average 0f 2:12/100m..

This was not my best swim but not too bad. I think I am capable of a faster pace so I may need to push a bit more than I did. I also need to work on my drafting skills to get more benefit from it.

I was over two minutes faster in transition than last year.

Work on my transitions to make it even faster.

I ran with my bike from transition to the mount line and mounted and took off as quickly as possible. The weather was excellent and only a nominal north wind. I passed a fair number of people fixing flats and I was glad to be able to continue on without any similar issues. I offered tubes and CO2 to most of them but everyone was okay.
The ride went fairly well and I was on pace to achieve my goal time. Even with dropping my chain twice I managed to fix it quickly and carry on.
I was passed by quite a few people but I kept trying to keep people in sight for as long as I could and in the last 10 km I did manage to catch up and pass several riders.
Within 2 km of transition I was really moving and running out of time to achieve my time goal when I dropped my chain for a 3rd time. This time took me a bit longer time to fix and I lost a lot of momentum which cost me a couple minutes. I got going as quickly as I could and I tried to get back up to speed but the time damage was done.

I had a goal of 1:36 or better and I was well on track to hit that goal but I dropped my chain 3 times which slowed me down. I know I can do it.

Transition went quickly and smoothly. Before I realized it I was heading out of transition and looking for a portapotty.

Just work at getting faster.

T2 went well and I was quickly heading out on the run. I had to hit a portapotty on the way out which cost a bit of time but I was pleased to find I was able to start running and even find myself running faster than usual without pushing myself too hard.
I was able to keep running for the entire distance.
Had to make another portapotty stop but was quickly back out on the run. It felt good to be running and keep running. I'd sure like to run faster but I was enjoying myself and interacting with the other athletes and encouraging anyone who was suffering. It was quickly getting warmer but still quite tolerable.

There were about 6 or 7 runners behind me and I was coming to the last km before the finish line. Down this hill and across the finish line and done.

I started out running faster and then gradually slowed down. I want to improve my endurance and run faster for longer.
My run goal was 1:15 and I was only 2 minutes short of that so I am certain I can achieve that goal and even run faster.

I crossed the finish line and stopped, feeling very good. Got my medal and t-shirt then went looking for food. Turns out they were providing us with pancakes and sausages. Jackpot!! I really enjoyed the pancakes and I just waited for the awards. 2nd place in my age group....of 2! Very nice wine glass. 1st place got a bottle of wine.


Nothing that can't be fixed by training hard and pushing a bit more than I have been.


This was my 3rd event with this group and so far it was the most fun. Better bike course. I'll likely do this event again.