The swim was incredibly violent! It was by far rougher than the previous two times I've done it. I was constantly getting kicked and hit for the first half. On the second half I got kicked really hard in the eye and had to stop for a minute to recover.
I was bored.
My previous time was 1:29. I had done a 2x2100 in the pool a week or so before the race and did it is 1:23, so I am happy with my time. It's the first time I was able to swim in a race the same pace I swim in a pool. I am a slow swimmer, so I was just looking for an improvement compared to last year. I was happy when I came out of the water and saw the clock.

Everything went well. Got stripped, ran to bags, ran to tent. I didn't change clothes or put socks on. Helmet, sunglasses, bib number, shoes.

Nothing.

My instructions were to stay between 135-145 watts. Or...130-135 on lap one, 135-140 on lap two, 140-145 on lap three if feeling good.
I was feeling good and started the ride in the 130s. Going up the hill we had a slight headwind so I made the decision to go up to the 150s when needed to maintain speed, and on the way in (downhill and tailwind) to recover and stay in the 130s. That worked perfectly the first two laps. By the end of lap one I was averaging 141 watts and 19.3mph. Second lap was a little bit faster because I pushed a bit more.
Third lap the wind had changed and my effort was more steady the entire lap and my speed was slower due to a lack of wind going down the hill.
I didn't use a special needs bag. I had at least 5 bottles of Gatorade and also ate my entire bag of candy (640 calories, a mix of Almond M&ms, Raisinets, and Skittles).
I felt a bit tired during the last 20 miles or so and was worried that I would suffer on the run. I knew I was having the ride of my life but I wasn't sure if I would pay for it or not. But..I have gone easy on the bike the last two IMs and this time I decided I wanted to average in the higher end of my watts zone and see how I could run off the bike. I still didn't average in the high end, though! 139 is right in the middle.

Nada.

Lap one...good. I started cramping in my quads within the first mile but ate a few pretzels at the first aid station and kept it at bay. The first 9 miles felt really good and then I worked to keep my momentum up for as long as I could. I walked with Andrew for a minute when I came up on him at about mile 8-9 and he told me I had a sub-12 in the bag. Well, I slowed down a lot after that and had to make up time.
Mile 14-15 I started to cramp again and luckily this is right when the chicken broth came out. I saw Jeff and Paulette here but could barely talk to them. I felt like crap for the next few miles until I saw Andrew again. Walked with him for at least 3 minutes and tried to figure out what I needed to do to get my sub-12 and then did it. :) I was running scared...not sure what the race time was and not sure what my mile splits were. I kept watching my pace and tried to stay under 11 minute miles so I would get to the finish in time. Apparently I ran 10 minute miles for the last 6 miles.
My quads were killing me. I kept telling myself I never, EVER wanted to do this again. It HURTS!!
I threw my glow stick out at mile 25, like I have the last two times, and worked my way to the finish line. About 100 yards before I turned the last corner, a lady told me I was going to break 12 hours. I was so relieved! Then I turned the corner and saw 11:52 and was really, really surprised I was that far ahead! Crossed the line and the volunteer kept asking me if I was ok because I wouldn't talk. I was just numb with shock that I had actually broken 12 hours. It was my super-secret, perfect weather, everything goes right, stretch goal.
Jeff was there to get me in the chute and we hugged and cried and then he got me some pizza. Andrew had tried to go find me on the course to make sure I was running fast enough but he missed me so he showed up about 5 minutes after I finished. As soon as he got there I was happy and ready to get up and got get warm.


Maybe eat more. I realized when I had my bonk in the middle of the run that I hadn't eaten anything solid besides the two pretzels and a cookie or two. I was alternating coke, gatorade, and water at almost every aid station but I think I should have forced myself to eat more.

Dry clothes,Hooters.


I had a perfect race so I do not feel a need to do this again for a LONG time.