I started on the outside to the very far left, but at the front, of my wave. And I had open water the entire way. IT WAS GREAT! I rounded the bouy's perfectly...giving myself enough room so I didn't run into anyone and being able to keep full strokes going the entire time. My breathing felt great. I was never winded and never choked on water. By the time I reached the 2nd marker, I'd already passed several men from the wave in front of us. That was a sweet feeling...going strong and swimming by those red caps towards the finish. I kept on swimming until my hand hit the water, then jogged into transition.

This was my best swim in a Tri to date. I felt great the entire way. I probably could have pushed a little harder even, which is very encouraging. Great swim for me.

Nada...maybe push a little harder. I felt strong the entire way and feel like I could have gone a little faster than I did.

Also, I kept swimming until my hand hit the sand, but I think I could have taken a couple more strokes. It's hard as hell trying to run in waist deep water. It takes a lot of energy out of ya.

My T1 time was respectable. I was 65/197 overall for my T1 time. The wetsuit came off fast. I even trotted out to the mounting area with my tri-shoes on (I'm still a little afraid I'll take a spill in those things).

I need get quicker at mounting the bike. I'd like to practice getting on with my shoes already clipped in...I think that'll save some time.

I felt good! I pushed hard and really focused on my gear changes. This was one of my best rides to-date at Island Lake. I think a PR for me, actually! I was playing tag with a gal in pig tails from my AG. She ended up pulling out ahead of me towards the end and beat me to T2 by about 10 seconds. But, I felt pretty strong the whole way and before I knew it, the bike portion was over.

I just need more time in the saddle. I need some engine work. That's the only way I'll get faster. I look at some of these times and it blows my mind how quick some of these people are.

It takes me FOREVER to dismount my bike. I've taken a few spills because of the new clipless pedals, and my biggest fear is that I'll do it again in front of a big crowd at a triathlon. So...my dismount is very slow. I trotted again back to the transition area, lost the shoes, put on my shorts, race belt, baseball cap and running shoes. I fixed my pony-tail, then snatched a quick drink and I was off. Not the best transition, but I've done worse.

I need to work on my dismount. I also opted out of wearing socks because I hadn't at Hawk Island and didn't have any issues. I will now be wearing socks for most races.

I was spent. After jogging at a snails pace up that first hill, my breathing was extremely labored and my legs were bricks. I walked a minute to get my heart rate under control, and then walked/jogged the rest of the way. I also developed some nice blisters on both arches about half way through the run.

Everything. First...know the course. Mentally, it'll help me big time if I just know where the heck I'm going and how much further I have until the finish. Also, wear socks for Gods sake. Especially on trail-type runs where the ground is uneven and we're going up and down hills. I get blisters even with socks on in those conditions. Last..HTFU. Period.

Stretched, got some of the great food catered by my friend Mark Sevedas of Aleko's in South Lyon. Got a little post-race massage. Talked with Rodolfo and met his adorable kids (and his parents). Watched the awards ceremony and then packed up.


I worked hard on both the swim and the bike...which didn't leave much left for me on the run. I wouldn't change it though. I just need to put more focus on my running and HTFU at the end when it counts. If I would have JUST finished the run at the same pace I've been doing 5K's this spring, I would have finshed right around my goal time of 1:35:00 and right in the middle of my AG.


Jim Jackson with Element Events does a great job with his races. He's a local guy. His father even comes out to help at most events (I talked to George for quite a while after the race). Island Lake is a great venue and Element Events does a nice job. I had a great time and will continue to sign up for Element Event races.