just tried to start out very slowly and counted down from 60 strokes; the length it took to reach the first buoy; got kicked/pushed-as usual but I didn't let it bother me this time; stayed pretty much in the middle of the swimmers this time-no panic attack (*I've come a very long way)-sighted every 5-6 strokes and was pretty straight

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/7101711715/1

nothing really

super long run from the water to T1-it was 0.37 miles and took 3:52 by my Garmin; I got my wetsuit off immediately and then ran hard, passing a ton of people, got to the top and felt really dizzy and a bit nauseous *(a first), started to walk as I thought I might fall/pass out, slowed my breathing down and felt good enough to jog after about a minute so I picked it up on the second part of the flat into the transition zone; dumped my stuff, sat and tried to put on my socks/bike shoes/helmet fast and GO

may have gone a bit too hard on the sprint up the hill; better to ease into it next time; my heart rate for this part went from 60;s upon exiting the swim to a peak of 153 (95% of my max measured HR), walked and got it down to the 130's and then jogged the last minute to get to the bike

I was annoyed by the lack of power; had the split screen with AP/NP and took off the 920 and mounted it on the bike to look at; changed to total distance screen once I realized I had no power data; went by feel and tried to get up to speed after short hills and pushed steady power on any slight incline/decline; stood up for the hills and pretended I was a real cyclist

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/7101711715/3

not a thing; my super secret goal was to hold 20 mph and was shocked I got under 1:12! woohoo!! Big bonus was not crashing.

ran through deep water and was annoyed about it and debated with myself about changing socks; ran slower because apparently I can't think and run at the same time; got to the rack and couldn't remember which slot and then a wetsuit was blocking the rear wheel from setting in it correctly so I had to move that and then sit and then I couldn't get my shoes off...ug...what a disaster

do your job and execute in transition

I was dying on the run; haven't trained for downhills, hell-I haven't ran 60 miles in the last 6 weeks; struggled with the bib so that added a few seconds and I had to walk to get the second part of it on the quick lace; wore the Nike Next shoes which are bouncy as heck and this destroyed my quads as I tried to take advantage on the downhills; wet socks did not help and I got blisters; could have pushed on the last few miles but my legs were pretty shot

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/7101711715/5

do more run training, of course

wanted to die, as always...took a long time to breathe normally; I did later ice my legs but it would have been smarter to do it sooner


under-trained on the run; weather was perfect and could have hurt me more if it was hot; I'm quite pleased with the first half of this race-S/T1/B all went quite well.


https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/7101711715

Very, very well run event. Mark Wilson and his wife Tonia have done such a great job with this race that I'd say it's one of the best, more organized, well run, well supported, challenging races that I've ever done. Post race was even better. Love my wife for always giving me ultimate support. She is a fantastic photographer also. My many friends on BT/strava/slowtwitch give me amazing encouragement as well and I am thankful for that. Bobby was there in spirit with me, as usual.