This was the best tri-swim I've ever had. Good start, breathing under control, minimal contact with other swimmers, good sighting.

Nothing aside from train more and be faster.

This went OK. Faster than the previous race, but it could have been better. Fumbled with my bike shoes a little bit.

Clearly a higher level of competition showed up here. In the first race of the series I was 44 seconds faster, and placed in the 16th percentile, vs. the 28th percentile here.

With regard to this one, I started out too fast. Combined with the heat and headwind after the turn-around, I watched my average speed drop continuously after the 5-mile marker.

Start slower, of course. Bring a second water bottle on the bike when heat index is > 100 degrees.

This went very smoothly. Improved 10 seconds over last time.

This was H-O-T hot! Tailwind for the first half made it like running in a steamy, still sauna. That made a breeze when you got to the turnaround point, but I had already overheated by then.

Train for the run more. Carry my own cold water.

Try not to puke. Cool off in the shower behind the bathrooms. Get my camera and wait for everyone else to come in.


Lack of run training, heat.


Late start...unusual for DRC. Apparently the buckles that hold the swim area buoy lines in place had rusted shut. Took some time for them to get those cut away and the swim course set. Otherwise, everything was good as usual.