The water was pretty rough, by my standards at least. I had a lot of trouble getting into a rhythm breathing every other stroke and drinking a lot of salt water on the way out. Once I made the first turn I was able to find some rythm. I used the Boardwalk Cono for sighting on the way back because it was hard to see the bouys with the rough seas.

Practice more open water swimming. Overall considering the conditions my swim time was pretty good.

T1 was pretty fast considering the distance from the swim exit to my bike. I was wearing a achillis tendon strap so that was one additional step I normally don't take.

Nothing.

Tail wind out and head winds on the return. Overall good performance. I have been training in similar conditions so I feel I was pretty prepared for the wind on the return. Coming down the bridge on the way out there was a bump with lots of water bottles, tubes, spare tires and such laying on the ground. I saw the person in front of me hit it and his top for his aeroblttle flew out so I was able to brake a little and prepare for the bump. I think that they need to let you come down the bridge in the left lane and not force you on the shoulder at that point. There was some rough spots on 388, but I have definately seen worse.

Nothing, bike time was fast for me.

Body glide on my feet, AT strap off, socks on, AT Strap on, Shoes visor on and out of transition.

Nothing

Legs felt great coming out of T2. Haven't ran in 2 weeks due to achillis tendonitis and was hoping it would not flare up. First 9 miles were great, my pace was around 8:30 per mile and then my achillis decided it had enough and started to ache. I walked a little and then tried to run picking up my left foot without pushing off with my toes but that only caused my knee to start hurting. So, for the last 4 miles I tried my best to run but ended up having to walk and run when I could.

Drive the run course ahead of time. The last mile felt really long. According to other reports, people wearing GPS's said the last mile was about 1.4 miles long.

Walked around a bit. Met my family and friends that came to support me. Had 2 dougnuts and 2 pieces of pizza. Went back to the condo and had a ice bath and watched the last 4 hours of the race from my balcony.


Rough water on the swim, Wind on the bike, achillis tendonitis on the run.


This was my first half. I had a personal goal of 5:30 and ended up with a 5:36. The heat is definately the toughest part of this course. Now I am nursing my achillis tendon looking for another 1/2.