It was very reassuring to see the kayaks. I thought to myself, "hey guys, come a little closer, would ya"? I just needed to get to the first blue bouy and I would be OK. Once there, it was the point of no return (kind of like zip line in Pananma). I started very slowly, and was quickly lapped by the female newbies and 45+. I was mentally prepared for the carnage and held my own. Got to the second bouy and decided to stop and hang on. Kayak says, "you OK"? Yes I am. Swam the distance to the farthest bouy and was managing my breathing and stroke well.. Stopped a few times to rest (wetsuit is my friend). At the far bouy, stopped and hung on a minute. I can do this thing. Kayak is following me. Rounded the bouy to the home stretch and now we're racing into the sun. I am swimming stronger and starting to kick a little. Halfway down the home stretch it occurs to me that I will finish the swim.

Then it occurs to me that I have no plan for after the swim. Hadn't given it any thought. I started to laugh to myself and thought about Emily who was likely out on the bike.

I see the double orange bouys signaling the last turn and start to get real emotional and start welling up. There's a newbie next to me, first tri, no wetsuit and he's going to make it too. I encourage him and am really starting to try hard not to break down since that would screw up my breathing. Round the orange balls and sprint to the shore. Taking off my wetsuit, eyes leaking, walking through the arch. I will never forget that moment.

Do more OWS prior to race.

Bike transition very narrow. Not a lot of vocal direction from the volunteers, but I'm late to the party and I'm sure they're tired.

Maybe think about what might happen if I survive the swim?

Drank while riding the bike for the first time since brain surgery. My balance has really improved. Encouraged the folks I passed, some of whom passed my later on the run and were really nice to me. Very scenic course. Residents provided encouragement.

I'm OK with my bike. Press harder next time, it didn't hurt the whole way.

Saw Marianne (mav) at the bike in and really got a boost. Legs felt really heavy and I had a hard time running with the bike. Bike fell over in the rack while putting my shoes on. Really hadn't given any thought to what I'd do if I finished the swim and bike.

Need to think about transition.

Started slow, picked up the pace in mile 2, but had to walk some. Drank the Gatorade and felt better, breathing better in mile 3. Ran faster in mile 4+ and came in strong. Emily and Marianne were at the finish. I must have been really slow mile 1 and 2, I was running pretty hard mile 3 and 4+ and still averaged 13min/mi.

Not sure, I'm pretty new to running.

Water, banana and half bagel with cream cheese.


Age and time available to train. I'm very cool with how I did.


I've sherped and volunteered at lots of races and run a few, this was the best organized and executed race I've seen in a while. A real pleasure. Tim Richmond is a gem.