Ok, the ass-clown at the start needs a talking to. Each wave went out about every 3 minutes, we had maybe 1 minute. With no warning the horn went off, I didn't even get a chance to hit my watch. I felt faster than I had hoped, I timed in about the same as two years ago. I was ok with my swim, came in at 1:57/100y pace. That was right on track with goal pace. Maybe the new course and the crazy chop slowed me down?

Nothing, the chop was bad for 60% of the swim and the aforementioned ass-clown at the start. Oh well.

I had a strong T1 - I took a minute off last time. I was lucky to have a spot near the swim exit, this helped.

Nada.

Bike did not go well, first 15 miles were painful. I got out way to fast and my back ached - not sure why. Once I hydrated and had some nutrition things got better. Still, faster than last time but I am not satisfied. The other thing was that some got in before I hit the storms, this also screwed me bad. Hail is nice on the skin at race pace, kind of exfoliates while it irritates the crap out of me.

Not sure at all. Just not my day. With the wind, I targeted 21 mph down and 24 back, about 1 mph off off that.

Really good transition in a total downpour of rain. Socks were in a zip-loc baggie with baby powder - THAT was the first smart thing I did.

Nada.

Usually my strength, out was ok at 50 minutes but coming back was rough. Last time I walked/ran after mile 10 - this year not! I took off some time so I am happy with that. With the rain I was just happy to finish at this point. My HR was unusually low, right around 150-155 for most of the run,this is low for my training that runs 155-160. My legs were burning though, odd.

Nothing, just smile and cross the line. By the way, I think there was one AG'er I saw 50 yards ahead at mile 13, I said "screw it" and totally killed that last half mile and passed the guy - sorry I just had some frustration to take out - and thanks to the guys who screamed out "way to go 575! I was about dying at this point.

Lots of gatorade and water. I consummed many calories at the post race meal, the kids who volunteered had a bet if I could eat the whole plate of food in front of me: a huge serving of noodles, half a wrap sandwich, 4 cookies, a cup of pretzels, an icecream on a stick, one banana, a bag of chips, a can of Sierra Mist, and a stick of grapes. I won the bet to the astonished looks of these kids. HA! I also had a large McDonald's milkshake 2 hrs later after sleeping in the car ride home.


Hail, rain, lightning, thunder, and not the best day personally. I am still on the fence about this long course tri thing - I think oly and sprints are more my style. You IM guys are still safe without me - I'll be staying away from that for 2010.


This is the best half-IM race I've done, only comparable to Steelhead at this point. I will be back next year, I have issues to settle.