I actually had to stand up and wade for about a 100 yards going out to the first mark, which was probably slower than swimming, but it gave me a chance to fix a nagging goggle leakage problem. I think I need to switch them out. It was an okay swim, and I was able to draft a little bit at several points. I definitely took the straight a ways a little wide. About 15 minutes into, it started to become difficult to catch a full breath; maybe just an artifact of not getting into the wet suit fully or just first race of the season jitters.
And stupid power boats kept sending in wakes; that was a PITA! It was a decent swim time wise; it's a little slower than average pool swims. For that pace I would have expected it be an easy swim, but it was tough.

I felt like throwing up when I got to the bike. The wetsuit took a few extra seconds to get out of. I had the top around my waist and my cap and goggles off by the time I got to the bike. I also put on race belt in T1 for the first time since I wanted to carry a gel.

It took a couple minutes to get situated into the shoes, but it is definitely better getting into bike shoes at 16 mph vs standing still. I tried taking the first 5 miles easy. The plan was to negative split it, which I did by about a minute or so. The compact crankset is awesome; I like the gearing even with the OEM cassette. The HR indicates a relatively easy effort compared to past races, and the pace was slower. The effort felt a lot higher though.
I had 300 cal of HEED in one bottle and another bottle with only water, which I don't think I drank enough of. I almost got through the nutrition bottle but only about half of the water; not good. The bike tire is still not seated well, which causes a wicked shimmy at 20+. I also kept get hitting by bugs. Two times I ran off the side of the road but was able to hop back up onto the road surface; not good. A gel was consumed with 3 miles to go.

T-I-T-S! I think this is the longest outdoor ride all year. No wonder it sucked. I knew I wasn't good for much more than 18 mph average anyway given the circumstances.

Good transition. I got out of shoes after last turn at the top of the little hill. The left one came unclipped, which I thought was going to be a problem since that is the side I stand on when dismounting, but it was okay. I did have to stop to pick it up once off the bike. Bike racked, shoes/socks on and gone.

First mile was way too fast, but I remember actually feeling okay; probably the gel from the bike kicking in. The section through the woods sucked; it was nice and shaded but the footing is not good. I wanted to be around 9 min miles for the first couple of miles.
Total time for the first 5k was right where I wanted it, but I was dropping pace quick. The fourth mile did me in, and I knew I wasn't going to be able to get back down to 8 min miles. I did have a gel at the start of mile 4. My mouth was dry the whole time. The IT-band started to tighten up also; probably due to a little dehydration. The last two miles were terrible. The heat and sun took its toll on me big time.

more water. walk a couple of the aid stations to get a full cup of water in me. I need to work on muscular endurance for sure. The cardio base is definitely there, but my leg muscles are tiring too quickly. More S.T. and bricks are needed.

got into the lake


Overall, the transitions are good, the swimming is decent (for me) given those conditions. I need more time in the saddle and more bike-run bricks.