The race started in waves, all of the sprinters went first. I have take a time out for a minute and give kudos to the folks who rescued a swimmer from the first bouy. He was in one of the early waves and stopped swimming as he got to the bouy. He held on and called for help. There was not a guard to be seen anywhere near him. At least two athletes swam out to the bouy and began bringing him in. Finally a guard from shore grabbed a board and swam out to the swimmer. They put him on and brought him back to shore. Great job guys.
So my wave goes off and we hit the water. I was a little psyched out for some reason before the swim. The distance around the bouys looked really long. I did ok, I caught a few of the people who went in the wave before me, but my navigation was off and I veered off course several times, costing me time and energy.

Sight better.

This was a good T1 for me. Swim cap and goggles are off before I hit transition, then I sat down on the ground to put my socks and shoes on. Then stand up, grab the helmet and glasses and go.

Nothing

I had a really good bike with just one little hiccup. It was a two loop course, mostly flat with two big hills at the end of each loop. The first lap was uneventful, I started a little slower to get my HR down after the swim and just cruised. During the second loop the wind picked up and really made the last miles of the bike hard. Also, I had switched my bike bag from the large one I carry during training to a smaller one I use for races. It is too small to fit my new pump so I attached the pump to the outside of the bag. During the second lap the top of the pump came off and hit the ground at 23.5mph. So I stopped turned around and picked up the pump top. The entire process probably cost me two minutes.
I rode this course for a race last year. I rode it 8:20 faster this year.

Secure my pump better, get a binto box for my nutrition.

Best. T1. Ever. I took my feet out of my shoes while riding, and rode the last 20 feet or so out of the saddle on one side of the bike. I hit the ground running, racked my bike perfectly, helmet off, running shoes race belt and hat on I was off for a very hot run.

Nothing

This was a Hot, Hot, HOT run. The course offered no shade at all and it was 90+ degrees. I got off the bike with fairly rested legs. But it wasn't the legs that were the problem. It was the heat. I stopped and walked often, took water at every aid station and tried to keep a steady pace. But I'd drink the water and it would take several minutes for my body to process it. In the meantime it would just slosh around. It didn't make for a good run. There were at least three people I saw who needed medical attention for overheating during the run. I saw alot of people walking. About mile 4 I ran for a short time with a lady who was keeping a slow and steady pace. We talked for a few minutes and she told me to go ahead since she was slowing down. I asked her her name and me, my wife and friend cheered for her at the finish line. I crossed the finish line in almost 64 minutes. Nine minutes slower than my goal and over 1 MPM slower than my 1/2 mary time in April.

Run in hot weather more often.

Drank some water, ate some race food. Got back in the water to cool down.


The heat.


I have to thank my jock straps; my wife, kids and friend Jeremy. Jeremy was supposed to race with me but injured himself the day before laying shingles on his buddy's roof. But he still made the trip from Columbus race morning to support me. He took a bunch of great pictures. Thanks guys!