I was pretty frustrated on this swim --- I could not find any space. Either the race was more crowded, or I hit a wave of people who were exactly my pace. I was in heavy traffic virtually the entire race.

Break to the inner or outer edge and get a little space, and get a better stroke going.

I really need work on this transition. It has never been good but this one was awful. There should easily be a minute that I can shave off here. Main problems were getting the first leg out of my wetsuit, and getting my Garmin watch on while shaking.

Consider not using the GPS watch for the ride, and practice this transition.

Felt that the bike went OK but not great, but when I saw my overall rank of 131 I realize that I did pretty well for me. I think given conditions -- wind and some mist -- everyone was a little slow today. Overall, my goal was to leave it all on the bike. I didn't do that, because again I couldn't get out of the traffic very well. At about mile 9 I finally felt that I could open it up a little more.

Need to keep hitting the bike training hard. But overall, I felt this was a solid bike.

Decent transition. I spent an extra 10-15 seconds going back for a shot of gatorade after I had already taken a few steps away. I knew I needed a drink since I didn't take any on the bike.

I've flirted with an 8 minute mile in a race many times, but this is the first time I broke through it with any type of certainty. Felt great. As a Clydesdale, if I can run sub-8's, I'm perfectly happy. Racing 10 lbs lighter this year and it made a huge difference in my pace.

Nothing. Great run for me.

Chatted with friends.


Inability to get away from crowds in swim and bike.


Racing 10 lbs lighter is making a nice difference in my bike and especially my run pace. Next race is the long course at Heart of the Lakes, which will be at the longer end of my ability level but I'm looking forward to it.

This is a well-organized race and it has a high energy level. Definately a premier event. I hate to critique any race because I truly appreciate people putting them on -- I know how much work it involves. But my only feedback is that perhaps they need to cap the participation at a slightly lower number. During the entire swim and much of the bike, I just couldn't get any space... this is a crowded race.

But it is well organized, and I'd much rather race in a crowd than not race at all!