Pretty good swim - given the beach run, I think I was around 1:20/100y, which is my racing benchmark. Started swimming into the BOPers from the wave in front of me about 1/2 way through the swim. Sighting was easy off the line of buouys. Quite the washing machine at the start, which may have been exacerbated by the fact that I didn't seed myself at the very front, and swam over a lot of my wave.

Set up closer to the front

Need to learn how to flying mount.

Long run in from the swim, but I was right next to the bike exit. Good running with my hand on the seat.

First time I've ever held >20 mph in a race, which was cool to see. I thought that would be knocked down by the wind gusts on the first half of every lap.

It took me one full lap to get my heart rate under control - for some reason it went through the roof as soon as I got on the bike. After that, I was able to push a bigger gear and start dropping the hammer. I ended up picking up the pace on each successive lap, each time passing more people. Though the aero helmet/disc wheel crowd flew by me a few times - each time sporting M25-29 AG calves. Had no chance up catching them, though - so I just raced my race.

Drink more - I think that was the cause of my sub-par 1st lap.

Bike shoes off, running shoes & socks on, visor on, and I was out. I thankfully didn't have issues tying my shoes (yeah, yeah, I should get Yankz. Though my Zoot shoes have now arrived, so in the future that won't be a problem).

This transition felt noticeably faster than T1.

Again, I had trouble finding a comfortable pace for about the 1st mile, but then my heart rate calmed down (again), and I was able to settle into a slightly uncomfortable cruising pace. Once we left the blacktop and got out onto the boardwalk, there was absolutely no shade. But there was plenty o' sun! Hit the first aid station, grabbed a cup that was advertised by volunteers as H20, and slammed it down. Nearly ralphed it back up, since I think it was HEED (which I do not like at all), but kept going. Hit the 2nd aid station at the turnaround, and when I said I wanted water splashed on me, those kids were on me like white on rice. Felt good, though. However running while entirely soaked seems to bring on the blisters. Finished strong, and kept increasing my pace throughout the run, as on the bike.

Nothing - pretty happy with this one.

Sucked down a bunch of ice & water, stood under the showers, then went to grab some food and pack up. Had a few pancakes and the biggest bagel man has ever made, then rode to the train station.


If anything, the wind gusts on the bike & the heat on the run.


Very solid race. Lots of fun - despite being on Staten Island (much more difficult to get to than I thought it would be when signing up). Safe course, very well planned.

Worst race t-shirt ever. 99% cotton/1% polyester ($80 for a sprint and not even a tech t-shirt), and it's a (pardon my french) wife beater! Oh well.

Nicely done, GBR.