Everyone said it was shorter than the 1.2 posted, if it was, so be it. I didn't go out too crazy. Was on the outside, let the amped up guys go nuts for awhile, then I'll dial them in. I was cutting through traffic pretty well, sighting more often that I normally do, but the whole time I kepy telling myself to relax, high elboes, rela, high elbows and was just cruising along. At one point I was a little off course and almost ran into a life guard, probably costed me some time, but I was fine.

A little better navigation, if I ever got gutsy enough to move to the front at the start, I'd probably drop some time.

This was a normal T1 for me, although i was diligent on getting myself prepared correctly vs. rushing and having something missing or being uncomfortable. Sat down, dried my feet off, took the sand off, put on my socks. Stood up gathered my thoughts on what i wanted to do, sip of GU2O and I was off!

Nothing. Last year 3:11.

Well this was a nice surprise! Averaged over 20! 56 miles! I was shocked. I always remember to stay relaxed and to stay smooth at the beginning of the race. People were flying by me left and right. Stay with you plan. "on your left", stay on your plan. After 12 miles I looked at my Garmin and I had a 19.8 average. Hmmmm. That sounds nive, i think last year i was around 19.6, so if I could hold this I'd be happy. I could go a little faster. So for the next 24 miles or so, I was able to bump it up a bit to 19.8/19.9. I really wanted 20, but was it worth the extra effort and the agony I'd feel on the run. Not really, stay comfortable. Before I knew it Garmin was telling 20.00, with 6 to go. Stay on it, but stay smooth.

I really enjoyed the course, nice and flat. I thought i really did corners well today. I think watching the TdF helped me. I was able to get back up to speed quickly. The pack of riders I was with, in a non drafting kinda way, were mostly females. Nice brief conversations, plus not bad PB. :) Came of the bike without any cramping, which was a major deal last year.

Can't complain.

Good T2, had to pee like nobody's business, but i wasn't going to stop during the bike and ruin my 20 mph average!
2:52 last year.

Pee on my bike. NOT!

My biggest improvement, and still today I have no idea how it happened. Was hurting pretty good, ran past the first photographer and then walked up the hill. Ran some more to the first aid station, walked. Could fiund anyone to pair up with, so i ran/walked most of the course. I had a few good stretches of running, but always went to walk at the aid stations.

Was mixing each aid station, water, Heed, Electrolytes. Kept that going and tummy had no issues.

Saw lots of Donkai, which is always fun when you are on the course.

Run more, then run a little bit more up hill.

FOOD! Diet Coke! Oreos!


Lack of training


I am still shocked at this result. Was totally not expecting to beat last year's results. I really have not trained as much as I should have, volume was down, but maybe I'm a better racer than I give myself credit for. I don't take anything for granted and my expectations were low. Maybe that helped, I didn't have as much anxious energy as last year. I was calm and had a blast.

A special thanks to the Bauer's and Vande Berg's for toting me around for the weekend. You guys are great. To all the other BT/Donkai, you guys are a great group, glad to have met you all and thanks for all the cheering and support, it really means a lot.