Was a good swim in general. I felt more comfortable than in the past. I like having the bouys on my right. It's my breathing side. I did notice that my strokes shorten and I am not very relaxed. This really messes up my stroke. A few times I caught myself and got in some nice long strokes. Had to fix goggles once. Only did breaststroke a few times (this is an improvement!).

Long, relaxed strokes.

My feet got stuck in the wetsuit. So did one hands. Almost fell over trying to get it off.

Step on wetsuit and get feet out quicker.

I had a really good bike ride. Felt very comfortable. I noticed that I tend to work better if I keep my cadence up above 95. I just don't get as tired. Sacrifice some speed but it pays off in the run. No issues with the hills. One big downhill -- I decided too late that I wanted to be on the horns...to risky to move my hands so I just held on for dear life.

I am really pleased with the bite valve on the aero bottle. Seemed easier to get water up and into the straw. I do think I have to figure out liquids better. They seem to just stay in my stomach and then I hear sloshing during the run.

I tried a homemade gel (honey, brown rice syrup, blackstrap molasses). Seemed to work ok. Need to cut the molasses back a bit. I did make a bit of a mess with the bottle I was using so have to figure that out. No G/I issue though. But I do think I need solid food to offset building up too much liquid in my tummy.

Nothing.

Pretty good transition.

I had a really good run. Definitely helps to come of the bike feeling fresh. I think the higher cadence on the bike helps me with this. Felt strong from the very beginning and got into stride very early. Used my mantras to keep going. "Run, run, dig deep" -- "Run from the hips" -- "Feet are light". Did not walk once.

Several times I could hear the liquid in my belly sloshing around. Not too terribly (like my last race). But I do need to figure this out.

Nothing.

None.


Being uncomfortable in open water.


The setting, Lake Anna State Park, makes this race really terrific. The race event area is along the shoreline and set along a hill. So the scenery is just very pleasant. The colors, flags, people, boats, water...just a terrific setting. I will try to do this race again.