This was my first race of the year and only second open water start. I'm still not used to the big mass start and tend t stay back. I don't freak out or anything I just am not aggressive enough to mix it up. The first buoy was about 150 yards out and I'm sure my time here was pretty slow. After rounding that buoy I would guess it was about 250-300 straight across the lake. I did well here after the wave had thinned out. Good pace and breathing felt good. Rounded the last buoy and headed to shore feeling strong.
There was a long run to T1 which probably added 90-120 seconds to the swim.

Just get experience with big wave starts to gain a comfort level with being in the mix.

Sucked sucked sucked......decided at the last minute to wear socks. Was worried about making sure my Garmin was linked up. Just too many things going on making the transition more complicated than it should be. Daremo even made a comment to keep it simple. I'll listen next time.

Practice transitions a little. Keep things simple. Shoes, helmet,race belt and then off!!

I was very worried about the bike. I don't have a lot of riding experience and this course looked pretty hilly (and it rained a little just before the race). I made the decision before the race to always stay in the saddle no matter what. I've cooked my hamstrings in other races by coming out of the saddle on hills. Magically, I passed A LOT of people on the hills (only to be passed back by some going downhill) and thought maybe I was pushing too hard. Was able to maintain a good pace on the few straightaways and downhill sections. Was very pleased with my ride.

Develop better bike handling skills so I'm not as tentative on the fast downhills. Tentative = scared. :)

Another slow time. Too busy messing with my Garmin and talking to the guy next to me. My Under Armour running shoes are a little difficult to get on quickly.

Simple simple simple!!!

I was very worried coming off the tough bike because I have done a total of zero brick workouts this year. On top of that I ran a tough trail race last weekend that took a lot out of me.
I felt GREAT coming off the bike ad through the whole run. I can't explain it so I won't even try.
There is a really tough hill at the end of the race which kind of sucked.

Not much. Just need to work on getting faster. Are brick workouts overrated? I don't think so just had a good day.

Got a drink and sandwich and headed back down the hill to wait for Dr Pete who started 3 waces after mine. Had a great time cheering on the runners that were struggling with the last hill. I later found out it was called Anaeorbic Hill. Nice!
Hung out with Dr. Pete and then packed up and went home.


The only complaint about the venue is that the transition area was higher than everything else so everytime you came into the area you were coming up hill.
Overall, an awesome race. The volunteers were friendly and helpful. There weren't many spectators out on the course but that was okay. I had a lot of fun and enjoyed the race.
My goal going into a race is try and finish in the top 50% (a true MOP) and under 1:45. I was in the top third of this race and almost 9 minutes under goal. If I wasn't in the largest and most competitive AG I could have a chance of placing with some serious training. I could have easily cut 2-3 minutes off of my time with faster transitions and a better swim starts.