Entered the water with my AG. I was near the back right of the group. My navigation was horrible. After I made the second 90 degree turn and went into the second straightaway I realized I was some 25-30 yards out from the buoys. This really slowed me down. I feel like I'm a better swimmer than my time shows.
I did keep my HR down and breathe well. I was surprised that it took me so long to complete the swim portion. The swim time includes the long run uphill to the transition area. I stopped before the transition area and took off my wetsuit in the grass.


Sight better

Fine T1. On par with others this season. I decided to try to put on my socks while standing instead of sitting down like I usually do. Lets just say, I'll be sitting in T1 for the foreseeable future.
I saw Justin in T1 and said hello.


Nothing. Sit down to put on my socks.

I wanted to go out slowly and succeeded! Ha! I tried to keep my average speed around 19MPH for the first loop. I left T1 with only my aero bottle full of Gatorade and 2 empty bottle cages. My plan was to get handups. This worked out ok. Near the end of the first loop my stomach began to seize up and it was difficult to keep drinking. I took a jell on the first loop and nibbled 2/3 of a cliff bar. On the second loop I took another jell and tried to eat the rest of the cliff bar. I stuffed part of it into my mouth and took a sip of water. My tummy said no way, and I ended up spitting the whole mess back out. I focused on trying to keep hydrated but I don't think I got enough fluids. My average speed went way down in the second loop. A few times I really thought I'd just finish the bike and quit.
I saw Jeremy and Justin several times and cheered for them, and they for me. It was nice to see familiar faces on the course.


I'm not sure. Given my tummy issues I think I did ok.

This was a long T2. I dismounted my bike and walked into transition. Judith was there and asked me how I was doing. I told her I felt bad. I went ahead and put on my running shoes and hat, took a long drink of water and then decided I needed more sunscreen. I dug around in my bag and found it, put it on and decided I could use some body glide as well. Back into the bag, find and apply. Then I realized my head really hurt so I got some vitamin I as well. Another long drink and a splash over the head and I decided I had wasted enough time. I headed out.

Nothing really, I've had much better T2 performances but I was in survival mode here.

I was not sure if I could finish the run, I was really feeling bad after the bike. I headed out very slowly. I think I ran for about 5 minutes and then started walking. I ended up walking as much as I ran. I finally made it to the turn around and realized that if I kept the same slow pace I could make it. As I came back to the beach Judith was there and she said I could quit. I shot her a look and ignored her (later I told her not to say that again). I walked every aid station and look as much water and ice as I could.
On the second out and back I met a lady named Teresa and we kept each other company. We encouraged each other. She finally broke off from me with about 1 mile left and crossed the finish line about 1 minute before me. On the second lap I'd use the aid stations as rewards. I knew where they were at this point and I'd make myself run to them and then allow myself a walk after I got there. When I finally get to the finish line I jumped across. I was very disappointed with my run. My PB stand alone 1/2 marathon time is just under 2 hours. I was expecting to finish this one in 2:10 or so. The run was much harder than I expected.


?

UHHHHH, none. Drank some water and ate some food. Crashed on the hill by the finish and tried not to throw up.


The heat and the distance.


A well run race. The only issue was that it didn't start on time.

I've had a few thoughts over the last 48 hours since I finished the race. First of all, this is a distance that really needs to be respected. I moved from couch potato to runner to sprint triathlons to Olympic tri's pretty quickly. I finished my first oly within 6 months of being active. I've completed one century ride, many 70+ mile rides, 2 half marys, 3 sprint tri's, 7 olys and several running races in my 2 years since I began training. I've done all this without serious injury and I have never felt burned out. The transition between Sprint distance and oly distance was not that difficult. I figured the transition between oly and 1/2 Iron distance would comparable. This race kicked my ass. I had inflated expectations for my performance and of my abilities. I'm looking forward to my next 1/2 and also IMKY in 2009 but this has humbled me. I realize I have a lot of work to do.
Another thing I've been thinking about is why I enjoy racing. I'll never be a podium finisher. Hell, I'll never be a MOP finisher. But when I was out on the run course with Teresa it kind of hit me, one of the reasons I like this sport because it's a solo activity. But when you’re racing you have the support of the other athletes. I don't really think of these people as my competitors. For athletes like me, MOP and BOPers, we're trying to survive the event and race only against ourselves and our personal limiters. We encourage each other and want the other person to succeed. We're not divided by gender or political party or race. We're united trying to reach our personal goals.
I wouldn't recognize Teresa if I saw her on the street, but I'll never forget how she helped me get across the finish line.