The start of the race was not bad. No major contact with the other swimmers, I seeded myself at the back to stay out of the fray. I DID NOT do enough open water practice over the past few weeks. And I suck at swimming. The first loop was a total schmozle. I was looking straight down as I swam hoping a big shark would come get me. Then I thought I'd rather have a scantily clad mermaid whisk me away. But then i thought any mermaids in these waters would likely be crack head hookers. So I went back to hoping for the shark. The second loop I did eventualy get my groove back and picked up the pace, pacing people. The current was strong and swept a bunch of us off course. That just rubbed the salt in the wound.

Rent an outboard and not swim. Might just make the race that more entertaining. For me and the other racers. Maybe train a bit harder.

Transistion was not too bad. 30 secs longer than I wanted, but everything was wet, had a bit of trouble getting into the socks, some a-wad dropped his suit and crap in my area. Doubt he'll ever figure out how his goggles were tried to the bottom of his shoes. Be warned fellow competetors, don't lay your wetsuit over my tires!

Practice T1.

Okay, here's where the wheels fell off. Too hard, too soon, too long. I past almost 40 people over the course. THe problem was I had nothing left in the tank. Bone dry. Scott (yaqui) past me on the last third of the bike and shook his head at me. Age and wisdom wins over youth and exuberance...again. Had a fun time on the bike, was only past by 5 bikes at the end...now...time to put on the runners, and put the amulance on stand by.

Don't be stupid. Stick to the plan. I had a plan. The problem was the plan was - (shh, don't tell anyone, it was a secret plan) to "take it easy, R-E-L-A-X!, save some for the run" That plan was dumb. Go slow? Pppfffftttthhhhh!

Oh yeah, I past the guy with all his crap in my area too, his stuff was not tinkered with...but I thought about it! 19 seconds over what I wanted.

Better lay out. Sole of right shoe bunged up. $200 shoes should not bung up, no matter, a bunged up sole was the least of my worries.

WARNING - If you have any kids in the room, send them out. If you are pregnant, stop reading this right now as well. I knew I was in trouble as soon as I left the transistion. 2KM- right hamstring, slowed down the pace. 4KM- right quad, stretched out the quad BLAMO! hamstring cramps! Dropped the leg, grabbed a nearby post, tried to stay conscience. Barely managed. Got everything settled. Left for more fun. All I thought about was one foot in front of the other. That and the agonizing pain radiating through my lower body. Made it to KM 10! SEIZED CALVES!!! Both of them. Don't cry little man. I didn't I sure did cuse though. Called myself almost ever name in the book. Took a minute then pushed myself off down the trail. More than half way. The run was getting shorter with every move. All my brain was thinking about was getting this train wreck off the course and getting thought the finishing gate. Right side of the brain vs. the left side. 15 KM-Legs report in "Nothing left to give, sorry." Brain asks hips, toes and ankles to pick up the slack. They agreed. 17 KM- Legs kicked back on, I could hear the music. was it my brain playing tricks on me? I was possible, but the legs came back on and I started running. My calves resisted by cramping up with each stride that they thought was longer than required but I ignored them. I figured I could get new ones later. Then...I could see the FINISH! I saw my wife and friends at the end! The run was complete!

Spread everything out. Longer, slower, more complete training scope. Sacrifice a chicken the night before the race. It might help. Finding a virgin might be an idea too....

I ate everything that was infront of me. How many of you think I stretched? If you answered "No." then you're right. If you answered "yes" then you don't know me at all. Did a quick massage with a therapist, then off we went for victory beers! Oh how sweet it was.


Being an idiot. Mostly. Need to up the training for the next long distance. I underestimated the power for the race. I did learn a lot.


Really liked this event. Very well organized and well run. Hard to believe this was the first year! I will be back next year. With a lead weight tied to my but.