Huge relief to have the wetsuit. Felt quietly peaceful. Stayed on the inside so breathing to my right kept me close to the pack. Swam out of most trouble and focused on relaxing, reaching and gliding. Consciously had fun. The sub 30 swim was 6min faster than expected - even with a short course this was my best swim ever. The sun helped with sighting.

Nothing

To use a British term - I pratted around. The run up to transition was fine but the suit didn't come off quickly. Then it was difficult putting a dry tri top on a wet body. Trotted out with the bike and then struggled getting my feet into the shoes (took 100yds).

Wear tri top under wetsuit.

Riding the course 12 days before the event gave me confidence. Even though my bike computer had died the week of the race (and subsequently removed) I was prepared to ride on 'feel'. It was liberating. The first 20 miles were just a hoot - I was still thrilled with the swim, felt good, nothing hurt and could visualise the rest of the course. Miles 20-42 were just OK and I was looking forward to getting onto the main road for a flat 8 miles before the last section, knowing that the road surface was smooth. My low back started to ache during the second half of the ride. 119.1mph was really good for me, my goal was to break 3 hours. My training rides in N Houston of 50 miles were just over 20mph but they are flat.

Prepare for the back tightness somehow....?

Dismount line came at the top of a little hill so was unprepared. Got out of left shoe and had to get out of right shoe with bike stationary. Took the time for socks and also used porta potty.

Feet out sooner

Coming off the bike I thought a sub 10 min pace could get me close to a 5.40 time - a full 20mins inside my goal.... However, my back was killing me. I ran 1.5 miles before first walk break and started to use the ice cold sponges to ease the pain. What can I say - I tried to run down the down hill and flats but sure felt like I was walking a lot. I maintained the sub 10 min pace thru 5 miles, then quadzilla, then the demoralising treck out for loop 2. Hearing my wife and kids cheer for me made all the difference.

I didn't do any brick workouts... there's your answer.

Got food and painfully sat on a chair for 10 mins. Packed up and walked to the car - another mile. Actually this helped loosen me up.


Training time on the bike. Weight (195lbs). Lack of bricks.


Lots of folks have noted the parking and Keith gave a great response. My observation was that the bus drivers were crazy dangerous, driving far too fast down the road pre dawn with lots (100's) of folks walking and then again later when stragglers were still out there.

It was a great day. Thanks to all for sharing. Our family bought a black lab from a farm on the way home :)