This was my first swim in the rain and I liked it. I went out easy knowing I was in for a long day so I just concetrated on long smooth stokes. It took me a while to warm up but once I did I was comfortable the rest of the way.

I think I could have pushed the swim a little more. This being my first half I was a little too concerned of what was to come. I had a lot left in my arms.

I decided to put a cycling jersey into my T1 bag so I would have a dry shirt. I struggled putting it on but I was already cold again so I am glad I did it. It was nice to have carpet out of the water and into the changing tent! And wetsuit strippers are AWESOME!

Be a little more organized. Weather really messed me up. Rain, cold, forecast called for 70 but never saw that, and lots and lots of wind. I didn't know what to pack and what to wear.

I felt great for the first 40 miles. I might have eaten the paste though. After the 3 Sisters I hit a cold hard headwind and it just wasted me. My feet were numb, my legs were dead, and my back tightened up. I slowed WAY down and I knew I had a long run ahead. My nutrition was good,(Infinit) and my bike ran great with no flats! I saw about six people changing tires. A friend of mine had 2 flats. The first one he changed. The second one he had to go the aid station to get a tube which they had. What they didn't have was a pump! He waited until someone came by with a frame pump. I was thankful for not breaking because he would have beat me if he hadn't flatted :)

More time on the bike. I really thought I would feel better starting the run. Through all of my training, I never felt that bad on a brick. Weather definitly played a role with the wind and cold but I felt under trained on the bike.

They took my bike when I came into T2! That was too cool. I love this race. They had my bag ready and I ran into the changing tent. I sat down and it hit me. They had heaters in the tent. It was so nice and warm. I had to get the hell out of there or I wouldn't leave! Changed into a dry fit shirt, shoes and hat and was off.

nothing

I felt terrible the first 3 miles, cold and stiff. My knees were screaming and I just couldn't open my stride. I just settled in and kept pushing. There were some good hills but a nice course. The volunteers were just amazing. From the start to the finish, they were top notch! Aid stations every mile were stocked to the hilt and they were all just great. I was truly impressed. I kept looking at my watch saw that I would at least break 2 hours on the run. Little did I know I would miss the freaking finish line. I am not sure how it happened but the guy behind me did the same thing. Wasted about 3-4 minutes trying to find my way back. It was 2 loops for the full and I just continued on. Cost me about 5 places and the 2 hour run. I am still mad at myself for that. I still would not have broke 6 hours but I would have been closer :) My wife, kids and friends saw me go by and thought "where is he going?". I blame hypothermia. My wife dragged my 5 and 3 year old around the course and cheered me on from a bunch of spots. She had an endurance day too. She's the best.

More prep on the bike. My knees were beat up and legs were dead. This was not a good run for me but I am excited about finishing this tough course on a tough day.

waited for a couple of friends to cross, ate, and walked around a little. Then more food, BEER, and another walk. Had the family so was not able to get a massage. The beer tasted really good though. The Post Race area was head and shoulders above anything I had seen before. First class all the way.


Cold, wind, bike in that order. This was my first half and I learned a lot. I was under my goal time and have some knowledge to build on. Great day!


Fantastic race. Ran well, organized, great swag, great food, and just a great feel. I even got to stand in the water with Chris McCormack (saw him once more on the bike). He won my age group, I almost had him though :) This is not however an easy course. Hills, hills and wind every year. It was a great challenge and I am glad I did it.