OK! I could swim this month. Amazing what some warmer weather can do to warm the water :) I swam the whole distance with a scissor kick to adjust to the mass of bodies turning the first buoy. I was amazed to exit the water before hearing the second starting horn, indicating 10 minutes past my start time... I figured I'd somehow missed hearing it... until I found myself in T1 getting socks on when I heard the horn! I even caught up to some men! awesome swim time, under 10 mins, that kicked up my happiness!

quick per usual. had socks rolled and ready, T1 good to go.

ahh, less wind than last month. still a slight breeze but not like June. I picked off cyclists from the start, had a few pick me off, but mostly I passed others. Some groups were riding side-by-side and blocking passing, but most were belatedly responsive to "move right" yells. I traded places a few time with a 23yo redhead. She would give a burst and pass me but then couldn't maintain effort and I'd pass her back. She passed me in the first mile of the run, never to be seen again - until post race when I chatted briefly with her. She complimented me on my steady bike pace and was chagrined about her own.

drop helmet, grab running hat. exit.

My trusty Garmin was along for the ride to help me stay under 12mm. My finish average shows I didn't quite keep that, but I DID run more hills this time than prior races here. I used every water station to dump water on my head/back to cool my core. The pleasure of warmer weather for the swim is a detriment to my run, but I was pleased with my effort. Under 12mm next race!

dump more water on head, slurp a Gatorade knockoff, eat melon. Dash to car and home for more breakfast and packing for backpacking trip!