I intentionally started out real slow, and just eased into it all. I wanted to take it in, and enjoy the swim, because it was going to be a long day after that. I absolutely could have knocked a big chunk of time off this swim, but I was content with swimming to the outside and away from others. I drafted sparingly, but really just wanted to be alone out there. It was peaceful and very enjoyable. My shoulder wasn't hurting at this point. That would be the only time it didn't.

Not much. I did what I wanted to do.

Normally, I'll leave my tri shoes on the bike and jump on and go. Because I had trouble with my tri shoes at the last event, I decided to just wear my regular three strap bike shoes. They are really comfortable too, so the added bonus was appreciated. Because of that, I had a pretty slow transition.

Get a new pair of tri shoes? I was still in my "chill" mode too, I should have put more urgency on myself as soon as I was out of the water.

What a great ride. I started out easy, and slowly built the pace. I passed a couple folks, and got passed by one or two. Then around mile 5, I found my mule. This guy pulled me around the entire course from there. He kept an incredible cadence. It was like following a metronome. He made this race for me. I thanked him profusely, during and after. I'm afraid that if I had not stuck with guy, I would have blown myself up before the run. Once I was sure he was my guy, I was not going to pass him for any significant distance.

On two climbs, he dropped me, so I had to keep hammering after those climbs and close the gaps. Just after the climbs, my shoulder felt the worst. It was a hot, searing pain. No fun at all. I think my aerobars make it worse.

After we got through the climbs and some tricky curves, the skies opened and it started to rain. Then it started to pour. It poured for the final 20 miles or so. There were a couple squirrely areas on turns, but it didn't effect me too much.

Oh yeah, I peed myself. That was a first. It was incredibly satisfying. Weird.


NOTHING. It was great.

Not a very fast t time with my three strap shoes. I also had to swap socks.

The first couple miles were very uncomfortable. My feet were numb, and I was clumsily striking. It took about three miles to get out of that. The first mile was about 8 minutes. I slowed it down for the second to about 9, then the third slowed down too much to about ten. By this time, I started to get into a groove and my stride was starting to open up. I settle into a steady pace and let it go as best as I could. I was hitting water or gatorade at every station, sucking a gu flask when I wanted and just focused on moving forward. Somewhere around mile 5 I felt my lungs tightening up. It never really got any worse, but I was very slightly weezing. I just tried to take deep, calm breaths. Also, I was getting horrible stabbing pains in my back and shoulder. I swear, it must be what a gunshot feels like.

I made the turn at 58:17. Whoa, did I just do that? I guess so!

I just tried to keep it up. The next couple miles are a bit of a blur, but I just kept chugging along. I encouraged EVERYONE, every volunteer, every racer, every spectator.

About this time, my legs were screaming at me. My quads, my knee, my hamstrings. I started to lose focus and started "getting into my own head". Now, I need to step back for a second, and let you know that I thought about a lot of my BT pals while I was out there. What would trixie do? Would Rick bust past this fool on the bike? How the heck does Robin work through the pain? Rottie is going to be pissed if I bust 2 hours on a half mary first ... just kidding. But, at this point in the race, it was Alaina that stood out to me. Have you ever seen the look on her face when she is racing? Its stone cold. She looks through everything as if the finish line is the only thing she can see.

I tried to do that. I tried to keep my "minds eye" off everything but a strong finish. Well, that, and I prayed. A lot. :)

Low and behold, I made it. Pain shooting through my back and shoulder, like I was gunshot. Muscles, cramping, sore, screaming. It was horrific and wonderful at the same time.



Nothing.

Yeah right. I wanted to eat, drink, and see my family. When they got to me, I have to admit, I got pretty emotional. I got pretty teary when I hugged Jamie. That passed though, and I knew I need to find some ice for my spasming shoulders. I headed over to the med tent and chilled for a few.


I can't imagine that I could have gone faster, at my current fitness level. It was ideal.

I think the rain even helped me. It kept me cool.


Wow. My two main goals for this race were to have a solid mental race, and break 6 hours. I crushed them both. I couldn't be happier. Luckily, Jason called from the banquet to tell me that I took 3rd and I should come over to get my award. I must have read the finish sheets wrong, because I thought I was further down. Thanks again Jason.