I was trying not to get my HR up and I ended slower than last year

maybe practice sighting and drafting someone that know where they are going

don't know

race director instructed everyone not to have their shoes clipped in.
I knew I had lost time in the swim and I was hoping to make it up on the bike. I passed alot of people and I watched my HR. I was were I needed to be and was still riding strong until the rain came. I have had a couple of accidents and I promise my wife I would take extra saftey on the race.

pray to the rain gods

Some lady had yelled at me when I racked my bike and said I took her spot.
Luckily her husband was there and suggested we move some bikes.
After the bike leg I headed towards my rack and big gust of wind knocked down all the bikes on my rack. Except mine of course, I had not racked it yet. KARMA

find a different rack

This has been my the best long distance race so far. I started with hydrating in the morning and took an endurlyte. Before the swim I ate a gel. On the bike I drank all my heed and on schedule with sustain energy. I also drank 1 bottle and a half of water. I also had a gel towards the end and another endurolyte. On the run I wore my fuel belt which I had heed and sustain energy. I also had a gel towards the end and another endurlyte. I almost started to get a cramp going up a hill but I stop and walked until I felt okay. A long distance race without cramping is a success for me.