Where did the chop come from? The middle of the course was very choppy. The wave starts were done so that one participant left every 3 seconds which actually was really good since you started with an accurate chip time. It was wetsuit legal at 77 degrees and I can't stand them so again I did not wear one. I'm glad others were able to wear them though, really beneficial for swimmers who aren't as confident.

Nothing. I would have liked to have had a better time but it isn't worth expending the extra energy to gain 2-4 minutes

Fairly long run if you have done PM races before but I conserved my energy.

I really concentrated on backing off and conserving so I could survive the run. Lots of liquid and nutrition. I tried Elixer electrolyte replacement tabs in my aerobottle for the first time. They are made for Camelbaks and WORKED GREAT. They self mix when dropped in water so once my aerobar was empty, I dropped another tab in, waited for a bottle exchange and refilled. Despite the heat I have to think that, along with 6 Endurox kept me from cramping on the run. Good product - highly recommend it.

Nothing

Again, controlled T2 not too fast but acceptable.

Able to run between every aid station, walk them to rehydrate and get ice. Every aid station had plenty of Gatorade and water and ice. Later they had GU, pretzels, animal crackers and bananas.

I was comfortable not pushing too hard just seeing how it went on my first 1/2. I now know I can survive it and will push my pace a bit.