So we all waded into the water - and 5,4,3,2,1 GO

I tried to push a hard walk into the water to not blow up the HR right away - it worked, I held ontot he faster pack for the first stretch pretty well. Very Happy to this point, but lost a little sighting at the first turn into the sun. I kept going, but was starting to drift out of the main pack. I drafted well to here, but at the second turn, I was starting to be in limbo. I just could not catch any feet, they were too far ahead.

I found a few people I could grab ontofor a hundred yards, but they were fast and I would drop off quickly. I maintained a strong effort throughout. Once the second loop hit I knew I was doing well. I could maintain my effort and pace til the end. It felt real good.

Not much, I trained more for tris thisa year, last year I struggled a bit, but of course I had limited swim time and TONS of bike time - see next section.

It was a good swim, but average techniques

I came in feeling good and ready to rock!!

I saw Bob ahead of me in transition and I knew he was a clydes. I tried to push myself out of T faster to catch him. I had a few small mental errors in process of things, helmet, socks, race number, but good overall.

I just could not get my feet in

see next section

I love my bike. My goal today was to go under 1:05 - Done, and go 23 mph - AHHHHHHHHHHHH! just missed it and I know where. I could not get my feet into my shoes until I left the park. I lost some time and speed here. It was frustrating. I just kept mis sliding. But I did get in and did not lose a shoe like in the past.

Once in I laid into the pedals ALL DAY. I just kept pushing as much as I could. I did change cadence and gears a bit to vary the intensity form as to try to keep legs fresh. I think I could have gone faster but Triathletes have to run after, and that thought stayed in my mind. The course was lonely at first. I was behind the next guys by about 0.25 miles. I kept pushing to catch them but the wind going out was in our face and there was nobody there to break it up at all.

I just kept pushing and at one point on a little rolller it hurt and I looked down on the Garmin - 15 mph - CRAP. I pushed harder. I tried to keep it up as much as possible for the first loop. I hit the turn back averaging just over 22 mph. Teh second loop felt better, I was looser and ready to go. I kept plucking people off heading west. It felt good.

Fianlly I caught Bob, he was just there ahead. It made me go harder. I caught him and one other guy that passed me early on. I caught them and they did re pass me. But after a mile or two I passed them again with the intent of not looking back - I hammered it home.

Not much - but next year this speed will have to fall, I WANT 23!!!!!

Oh yeah, get into my shoes faster.

Into T2 i go and bob was there soon after, this got me going so I pushed it out. I swear I forgot something, but I am not sure, still not sure

No time for eggs and bacon today - we have a race ladies and gentlemen.

Here is where it gets good. Bob was right behind me and I was trying to keep it up - the bike tooksome out of me. Wonder why? But I knew he was about 5 s back. BUT, I had to stop the first water station and get water and endurolytes. SO he passed me - as most people do.

Today though, less people passed me than usual. It was great. I really wanted to win the bobble head trophy for 1st, but I was having a phenomenal overall race. I always wanted to go under 5:30, but I had a chance at 5:20 SO I kept the steady pace, adn saw lots of 8m/m averages. I wanted to finish strong also. So I kept going. i wish there was a water station at the turn around, but fortunatley I took my hammer flask as planned for some water, It was perfect I filled it 4x and it kept thing just right for me.

I finished the first lap feeling really good and thought to pick it up a bit but still hold some in until the last mile

SPLITS
8:24
8:28
7:51
8:04
8:01
7:42

I did start my kick a little late, but the heavy breathing and grunting coming in did scare a few kids. I saw the sub 5:20 and was ecstatic!!!


Push a bit more next time

MORE TO COME