I felt great during the turn and was siting the buoys well. I rounded the first buoy and actually hit it with my arm. After making the turn, somebody was swimming too close or trying to draft. He ended up smacking my calf and the back of my knee over and over. I let him pass and ended up drafting him for a bit.

I wasn't confident in my swim, so I started on the outside edge of the group. I wish I would have started with the folks that were going for the straightest and shortest course.

T1 included a run from the swim to the transition area. I'm guessing it was about 100m.

I hadn't been thinking prior to the race and never checked that my helmet was ready to go. When I put it in my bag, it usually ratchets tighter than what is comfortable. I had to spend some time opening the ratcheting setup so that it would fit right. Next time, I'll make sure that I try it on first.

Also, when it's raining, I need to use a garbage bag to cover both my running gear AND my cycling gear. I only covered my running gear, so my cycling gear was soaked by the time I started on my bike.

The course was a little challenging due to the rain. I had put some new tires on my bike a couple months before and was thankful for the extra traction! I tried my best to not kill my speed on corners and wet spots, but I think I may have been a little overly cautious.

I felt great that I was passing a lot of athletes. I knew that if I wanted to get up towards the Top 3 in my AG, I'd have to cruise on the bike, so I was pushing a little harder than normal. Making the final turn towards T2, I let up a bit to let my legs recover. I think that ended up being a smart move.

I had a good flying dismount even though I forgot about it until 150m before the dismount line. Running with my bike and racking it went well.

What a great run! I was able to drop my 2008 time from 9:46/mile to 7:16/mile!! I think what helped me was my wife at certain points cheering me on. I remember her shouting, "How bad do you want it [3rd Place in AG]?" That got my blood and legs going!

Coming into the finish chute, she was there again warning me of the slippery mud on the downhill towards the finish line. There was a guy in front of me who was within striking distance. She said, "Be careful, it's slippery... NOW GO PASS THAT GUY!" I tried to pass him, but couldn't quite get him. She thinks it's because he heard her comment and sped up, too. Ha!

I wouldn't change much. This was my best 5k finish yet!

I walked and stretched a bit, but went to the car pretty quick so I could get some warm clothes. My rain jacket did great at helping me insulate!