Started out towards the front of the front, and then let the lead group go. I was already pushing LT, and burning up with my crazy layers of clothes. In fact, I offered them for sale about 5 minutes into the race, at very reasonable prices. No takers.
I was caught between "hold back" and "don't let the front pack get too far away" during this run. I knew some of the runners wouldn't be able to keep their lead on the bike, so I was happy to have some people to chase early on. I spend the last mile of this run trying to "bridge up" to the leaders, but not blow up my HR TOO much. I think I finished the first run in about 14th place.

I might push it a little harder, to keep closer to the leaders. Once out of sight, the also get out of mind, and that's no good.
Also, I would wear less clothes for a run-only event, than I did for this. I'm just saying.

Swapped shoes, slapped the helmet on, and I was out. No fussing around.

Would have tried the flying leap onto the bike, but with it being wet, and only having ridden outside 2x this season, I saved myself the embarrassment.

The plan was to be a little conservative for the first 8 miles, then PUSH to the finish. I kept this in mind on the way out. I was chomping at the bit to let loose, even though I was already breathing loudly, and making my legs hurt.
I passed just a couple people during the first half of the ride, so I figured this was good. I think I only got passed once permanently. I knew if I could hold position early on, I'd definitely make up some time during the final 10 miles when I really got after it. On the way back, with the wind, when I suspect other people were happy to see their speed increase because of the tailwind, I wanted more. I kept pushing and pushing, reelling people in the whole time. There weren't too many out there, though, I soon realized. I could see the lead motorcycle ahead in the distance, and I was shocked to count only 5 cyclists out in front! I kept pushing.
At the 15 mile mark, a front tire emerged beside me. What the hell? I was already going FAST I thought. But I was feeling good, and I was under strict instructions to PUSH. So I did. I never let him draw even with me. He sat in my draft produced by the cross-wind briefly. I cranked harder to drop him. I thought he was gone. Until a minute or two later. He was back. That's it! This time he gets put away for good. I downshifted and mashed. 26mph. Not enough. 27mph, that's better. 28mph. He faded behind me... and I was that much closer to the guys in front of me. I was gaining.

Can't say I'd change the plan or the execution. I gave a huge amount of effort considering there was a run to get done at the end.

Again, no messing around. Switched shoes and ditched the helmet and I was gone.

Now I was feeling some hurt! My breathing was shallow and labored. I sounded out of sync I'm sure. But my footsteps were quick and deliberate. Those 2 guys I was chasing who were so close together only had a 25yd gap on me at this point. Don't fold now! Somebody told me I was in 5th place. I surged and moved my way into 4th. I told the guy he had a great ride, and I just couldn't catch him no matter what I did. He replied, "Thanks. I'm paying for it now." He faded back as I ran as hard as I could without inducing vomiting.
I was finally starting to settle into a good pace, and the run was almost over. There's not much room for mistakes, or comebacks in a race like this. With a mile to go, I caught and passed the last guy I could see. He said, "Good race." I couldn't even muster up a word, and now I feel bad about that. My breathing was a mess, and I was on the verge of puking.
A girl on mt.bike was leading me into the finish, telling me I was in third place, and that the finish line was straight ahead on this street. I was enjoying the moment, but suffering in the breathing department! Moments later, she told me that there was one guy closing on me, just 10 seconds back. Yikes!
I dug a little deeper and pumped my arms furiously to hold him off. Dry heaving at the line, having gone as hard as I could, at last I finished. It took longer than expected because of the weather, but... I did it!
I finally got a podium finish.

Not sure what I could do differently. Maybe there will be some lessons learned in the next few days.

Jogged around and stretched very lightly.


Maybe if I were training for sprints and such, I could be faster. But all things considered, I'm thrilled with me finish.


Ultramax always does a great job of getting things done right. They even had the results posted online BEFORE I got home. It was well done.