Good swim for me! Unlike Maine, I didn't just let the current do all the work, felt like I was putting in a good race effort. Placement mostly reflects this.

Nothing.

Probably wasted too much time in the tent.

Move quicker in the tent, was a bit disorganized.

Goal was to hold 200 watts, and made it about 75% into the ride pretty close to this, but felt off. Turning back into the wind for the 3rd time was a real mental challenge. Held relatively strong around 175, so it wasn't a full crack, but not what I was hoping for. Got in close to 750g carbs, stomach was protesting a bit by the end, but happy with this. Maybe could've drank more, but didn't do too bad.

I'd give myself an A- on aero discipline. Tough when outside of a few short hills, there is really no excuse to come out otherwise, very different than IMLP. After the first loop, roads got more congested with racers. I did enjoy the dedicated lanes and smooth surfaces.

Hate to say it, I don't think I'll come back to this race unless they change the bike. It was just so so boring.

I think for what the legs had today, this was pretty well executed. Wish I could've put out more watts, but nothing I could have done on the day about that.

Again, took too much time. I know it was important to make sure the feet are set up for success, but this was too slow. Between the two poo transitions, I likely cost myself AG placement.

Go faster.

This was TOUGH, but I CRUSHED this. Honestly didn't feel great in the first 2-3 miles, stomach was being fussy, but stuck to just water and that settled. Eventually was able to take some PF too, not as much as planned, but enough to carry me to the finish. The caffeinated PF30 at the halfway mark did not go well, sent me into the bathroom for my first ever mid-race poo. In and out in under 90 seconds though, so not terrible.

Pace was hard, but appropriate, as long as I could manage my fluid balance and core temperature. Took fluids at every aid station, salt pills when I sensed the volume was right. Ice ice ice ice. In the pockets, under the hat, held in hands, rubbed all over torso. Dropped too much down the kit once and had an ice diaper for a while - strange sensation.

Danielle was giving me AG updates, I climbed from 6th to 3rd, very nearly running down 2nd, and despite a 23 minute lead to start the run, even 1st was almost in range after he blew up. Less than 4 minutes separated the top 3.

So emotional in the last mile. Got my redemption here. Got my Kona slot. Hard work paid off. So grateful.

4th fastest marathon for the amateurs. Incredible, So happy.

I really love this host city, one of my favorite towns to visit. The fans and volunteers are awesome. Local food rocks. The swim course is great, and run course is a fun challenge. The new bike course is super disappointing. If they change it back, this will go back to being one of my favorite races out there!