First swim was best in terms of placement, but the water was so cold, and it's the longest swim, so I was hurting when I came out. Took a long time to recover. Was happy the second lake was not AS cold, but had some chop and I was really just trying to get through it. Got passed like I wasn't even moving, first racer I'd seen since early in the first run. I'd like to say it motivated me to swim harder, but not really. Final swim I was pretty beat just getting to the lake. Kept my shoes on for that one, and got through it just knowing it was the final swim and a short run up to the tower awaited.

These were not great efforts to be honest, but the race for me did not come down to swimming fast, it was about getting through the swims able to run well. Not cramping was paramount, and I succeeded there.

Goal was to maintain between HIM and IM power for the flat section, then about HIM for the climb. I hit that exactly, got in all my nutrition, and came off the bike in good shape to run.

Nothing - glad I ditched the jacket just before starting, arm warmers were enough. Net headwind was annoying, kept aero disciplined. Very happy with this ride.

Felt good for the first run coming off the bike, basically was just trying to keep it conservative with a lot still to come. The second run was all about just trying to warm up. I was so cold coming out of that swim I was shivering for awhile, felt weird, form was erratic. Couldn't really push any pace. Tried to eat some but didn't get a whole lot in. Third run was easily my best. After getting passed in the water, I came out looking to hunt her down, and for the first time all day really was "racing". I got her in view, and probably overtook her too aggressively. The long "Godzilla" climb towards the end nearly cracked me. I figured I had a decent lead, but couldn't be sure how much I would need for the final swim. The final short, but extremely steep, run was more of a death march. I ran when I could, power hiked when I couldn't. Crowds were awesome. Getting to the top was incredible!

Nothing, had the fastest 3rd and 4th runs in the entire race!

Chatted with the winner- Tim O'Donnell - about how cool and challenging the race was. So cool! Got into my warm clothes quickly and tried to stay warm, before eventually walking back down from Sky Top to the shuttle pick up.


A few things I would do differently next time (if there is one), but can't complain about this performance.


What an incredibly fun adventure! So glad to check this off the bucket list. And to finish second overall is incredible, especially when first place was Tim O'Donnell!!! What an experience to share the podium with a legend.