Once again decided to start up front with the hope I could get out quickly and maintain a solid pace near the front. The first couple hundred yards were not bad - really concentrated on a strong stroke not just a quick turnover. I eventually ran into some shallow water and had to actually stand up and walk a bit b/c I could not swim in the shallow water. It lasted for only a bit but when I was up I noticed there were only a few people in front which was great despite being a bit too left. When I rounded the first buoy I was still feeling pretty good but from then to the next turn and then to the finish I struggled a bit with staying on course. It wasn't terrible but I do need to improve. There were occassions when I could latch on to someone and draft a bit but I'd lose them and end up off course a little. On a couple of occassions I felt like I was able to draft pass and draft again. Now whether I was actually moving up or not I don't know because it could have been the same people and I just ran into them again after getting back where I needed to be direction wise.

I think I could have been a bit stronger out there and not hold back as much. There were times I felt extremely strong and efficient and others I dialed it back - a bit nervous I may fatigue too early.
Secondly, my sighting and lines need to improve!

Well it wasn't terrible but transitions have historically been a problem for me because I don't stay focused with the get in - get out mentality. Need to trust the process I've setup prior to the race and get on with it.
I will say I felt like I ran well out of the water into transition!

Like I said.....

Couldn't wait to ride the Scott in its first race ever and about 200 yards into it I pop the chain and have to pull over. No the way you want to start but I recovered fairly quickly and hopped back on to begin the catch up game. Needless to say I played catch up the entire time to the better cyclists but was able to track down a few while avoiding being passed with the exception of Kendro who absolutely crushed the bike. He got me at the start of lap 2 and I wasn't able to keep him in sight by the end.
Overall, I have to say I am happy with a 22+ average but I am disappointed with my inability to handle the subtle climbs/inclines without dropping down quite a bit - gear wise. I realize I can't expect it to happen if I am not logging workouts consistently eneough but it's still a numbers game and a feel game and I didn't like the feel or the numbers.
*37 b/c Kendro's time didn't register.


I will be more committed to my bike workouts and the variations they call for - there's a reason they have different workouts, right?

Into transition 2 was great - in there and coming out was poor! Just take too long to do the obvious. There should be no thinking - just routine!!!

....

Once again - YOU GET WHAT YOU PUT IN!!!!
Not a great run - the time is probably where it should be based on the number of run workouts I've logged in the last 4 weeks(3). That's right, I went back and looked at my logs and I've logged 3 workouts since Dan and I did the Brick in Columbia on March 22nd. So my frustration is with my workout commitment - not necessarily the race time - although it's hard to see how slow it is compared to guys I hope to compete with or eventually compete with!
I just never felt strong during the run which is frustrating b/c I've had Brick Workouts where I am able to put together some solid run efforts. I just felt heavy and slow!

Run in Training ... Run in Training ... Run in Training!!!

Not much here aside from some brief stretching and walking around with the family. We did soak the feet a bit and cool down in the lake a bit later.


My lack of commitment - Bottom Line!!!!


Not a bad race by any means but you could definitely tell it was the inaugural race. Not the best set-up, suspect post-race ammenities and questionable transition security.
I was glad to get in an early one and it was a pretty good experience.