Once I heard the countdown I went into auto-mode. I've been visualizing every aspect of this race and it absolutely worked! I felt so good with my rhythm and every turn. I came out of the water in really good shape with my heart rate at 170...just a tad high.

I might have been able to push a little earlier. Actually 3 seconds slower than last year.

This was a bit slow. I forgot to bring a towel but, thankfully, was positioned on grass. There were tiny twigs sticking to my feet as I was putting on socks. Got my shoes and helmet on and headed out.

Not wear socks and bring towel.

I dropped 5:17 from last year. I'm thrilled with this improvement but could have been better. I went into a turn at about the 4 mile mark heading toward the golf course and was going a bit too fast. I couldn't cut the corner enough and went into the oncoming lane and looked up to see a huge SUV coming at me! Yikes! I bailed off the road and nearly lost it. I went through a bunch of pine cones and twigs. I thought I had punctured a tire but it all worked out. I kept focusing and was thrilled to see RSPDiver pass me to help with motivation!

Uh, take turns better!

Pretty good transition! Nicole R. helped me with a few tips before the race that helped shave a couple of seconds.

not much

:50 faster than last year. A little cramping in the left calf in the first half mile. Overall I'm pleased with this time but could have been a little better. I seem to wait too late to push and empty the tanks. I might have shaved a little time if I had pushed earlier. I hit a rhythm about the 1 mile mark with my heart rate at 174 and decided to hold there. I saw RSPDiver but couldn't come close to keeping up!

Push earlier

Hugged my wife and kids!


This is one of my favorite races in the SCTS! I love the atmosphere with the Marine Corps training around us!