Great swim. Must have been short though since this matches my pool times for a medium-hard effort and I know I lose some seconds per hundred in open water. Everyone swam the same course though, so I'll take it. Decided against the wetsuit even though they announced it would be legal. Didn't want to overheat. Overheated at N.O. HIM and that water was 72, so 77 would definitely have been too hot. Had #158 so didn't have too much congestion to deal with due to the time trial start. Clean water most of the time, swam straight and felt good. Velcro on my watch broke about 100 in and it fell off and is now at the bottom of the Cane River.

Make sure my watch velcro isn't worn out:)

Good T1. T1 was long this year due to the amount of participants. Fumbled with my helmet a little bit, so lost a couple of seconds. Went ahead and put my race belt on to save time in T2.

Not fumble with my helmet strap and snap.

Out of T1 and up the hill that starts at the mount line without falling over. Slid my first foot in my shoe and then the second. Shoe tongue got caught on my toe and got pushed to end of shoe. Had to take my foot out, fix it and put it back in my shoe. Ride felt good, felt like I pushed a little hard on the way out, but negative split. It is more downhill on the way back in though. Hills weren't too bad and this is my third time on this course so I knew what to expect. Did a lot of passing and only got passed by 6-8 people. First time that I have averaged over 20 for a race of any distance. Flying dismount in to T2.

More speedwork on the bike to be able to push harder in shorter races. More hill training.

Already had number on, so saved a few seconds there.

Nothing. Typically have fast transitions and this race was no different. Easy place to pick up time if you practice them.

Legs felt heavy and couldn't get good turnover. Last mile was tough, but knowing that I had my nemesis trying to run me down kept me plugging along. Also, just like the bike, lack of speedwork for the short stuff held me back some. Definitely need to concentrate on adding speedwork back in for shorter races next year. Been scared to put it back in with the heal problems I had earlier in the year, and don't want to risk it before the HIM in 6 weeks.

Run faster. Do more speedwork and more overall weekly mileage.

Found my wife and got a congratulatory smooch. Hung out with the BR Tri crew and cheered everyone in. Ate 3 meat pies, 4 pancakes, 2 sausage patties, 2 cokes, bottle of water and cup of Heed recovery drink (nasty). Sat under the BR Tri tent for the awards, where BR Tri won club challenge, and the disc wheel draw. Helped take the tents down and put them in my truck to take home. Back to hotel to shower and drive back to Baton Rouge.


My focus on long and moderate for HIM in 6 weeks limited time to do speedwork on bike and run. Improved 6 minutes from last year though, so can't be too upset. Beat my friendly nemesis also, which was just icing on the cake. Have to give him a shout out though since he knocked 35 minutes off his time for last year. He wins greatest improvement award.


Meat Pie is a good local race. Natchitoches is a quaint little town with historic things to do if you or the family are interested in that type of thing. Race directors do great job.