That's right, after 3 years of being undefeated amateur female in the swim split (including big races like Alcatraz) I finally got beat by another chick. Granted, I was racing with a pinched nerve -which made my whole right side hurt when I put my arm above my head, but she might have beaten me anyway. What was great is that I got to draft off of someone for the first time since Escape to Bermuda when I drafted off the pros. Unfortunately, the waves were only 3 min apart and by the time we (me and the girl who beat all the guys) got 1/3 of the way through the race at the first turn bouy there were so many people in my way that I lost her. Had I been in "clean" water I think I could have stuck with her. Turns out she swam for Cal with Natalie C - so can't feel bad about her beating me...
Swim was definitely looong this year (usually 18 min mile swimmer). Likely to make up for the short swim last year (I split 15 min!)

not much except not have a pinched nerve. It would be nice to have an "elite" wave at this race - I think it would have helped a lot in the swim.

Ran into a traffic jam out of T1 andthe guy in front of me almost fell off his bike, which made me almost fall off of my bike. Kinda annoying.

I was annoyed I didn't go at least 20 mph, but since it felt like someone was knifing me in the back of my neck while in aero due to my pinched nerve it was not bad. Switching to race versus power tap wheels really helps on hills :) but, need to shed a few lbs before Bermuda because I still felt "heavy". Actually had one of the fastest splits up "Claire's Climb". Still need to work on better cornering. Also, need to put the Gu contraption on my bike since I wasted a few seconds opening Gu packs while racing. Also, could have pushed this portion of the race a little harder. Same bikecourse as last year - 3 min faster :)

see above

Ugh, they changed the placement of the dismount which was confusing to the racers. The guy ahead of me stopped short which made me crash into him. Bangged up my hand but no major damage - just annoying.

This is the first time I have run the entire 6.2(or in this case, 6.35ish)! Strated off nice and comfortable, at just about 8 min pace. After 3 miles tried to increase effort each mile. Last .2 was more like .35 (took me over 3 min at at about 7-7:30 pace to finish). Time was over 3 min faster than last year on a different, shorter course, so very pleased with the result - just wish the swim was not so long so I could have broken 2:30...

chatting with friends, drinking water and eating pizza.


Need to feel comfrotable attackign the bike and run moving forward.


The only majorissue was the crazy long wait for results. Also, I amalmost positive I qualified for Alcatraz with a 2nd place AG finish, but no info on this is posted to the site. I would love to race alcatraz again so I can finish (had a broken foot this year and could only do the swim).