I wanted to avoid getting caught up in a washing machine at all costs, since that usually kills my confidence for a couple hundred yards. Lined up in front and all the way on the outside. Aside from a little leg grabbing here and there this was the least contact I've ever had in a swim. I found myself passing a number of girls in my wave and eventually catching up with people in a wave before mine. There were a couple minutes when I got distracted & zoned out, I had to remind myself I was in a race and neede to pick up the pace. All in all this was a really good swim for me.

Not get distracted & stay focused.

This was a long, slow T1. The wetsuit strippers were great!

Could have been a little speedier heading up the hill.

This wasn't by best ride and it wasn't my worst. My plan was to stay conservative on the bike so I could have a stong run, and stick to my nutrition plan. The first 10 miles flew by! I held a solid pace of 18.5mph, which was pushing it a little more than planned. I felt good but dialed it back a bit. At this point I also noticed that my tool bag came loose and wasn't holding on by much. What to do, what to do. I contemplated pulling the velcro loose the leaving it on the side of the road, and I actually secretly hoped the velcro would come loose and fall off on its own. In the end I left it alone and it managaed to hang on the rest of the ride. With rough roads and 46-ish miles to go I thought there was a good chance I might need it. After the first aid station (@ mile 12) it seemed like the wind really kicked it and was there to stay the remainder of the ride. I've never experienced headwind like this during training, so that was definitely a learning experience. It felt neverending and relentless! The miles continued to fly by and I managed to take in the scenery around me, and kept thinking to myself how much I love riding. I was definitely hydrating well (which has been a problem all season) bc by mile 40 I had to pee in a bad way. I was actually kind of excited bc I thought I'd finally have a chance to pee while riding. I tried, and I tried, and I tried for almost 10 miles, and no dice.

I stuck to my nutrition plan like clockwork. It may have taken all season to nail it down, but I've certainly got it now. I've noticed that while I "like" GE while I'm training, come race day I detest even the sight of it.

Despite the rough roads and the cracks that looked like they wanted to eat my bike, I really like the course. I was passed by more people than I care to count, but for once I didn't care and focused on my plan for the day.

Start out a little easier. More than anything else though, I just need more time in the saddle.

Made it to my rack only to find the whole area packed. I had to move my neighbor's bikes to the side to even fit mine in. Grabbed my visor, endurolytes & chomps and I was out of there.

Nothing

I felt awesome going into the run! I don't think my legs have ever felt this good coming off the bike. Had to keep reminding myself to keep the pace super easy for the first loop. The sun was out in full force by the end of my first loop and stayed out for the remainder of the run, and man was it hot! Half way into the 2nd loop I could feel myself starting to fade and my lower back was getting pretty sore. Took a couple endurolytes and had some coke which helped a little. From here on out it was far harder mentally than physically. I started to let myself walk up some of the hills, and a I gave in a couple times when I could have kept running. When I finally hit the split for the finish shute my legs instantly felt lighter and my pace picked way up, I was so happy to finish.

HTFU and not give in to walking. Going into the run I was well on track for a PR. Even with 5k to go, if I didn't walk at all I could have done it.

Got my finisher's medal, towel, water bottle & ice pops (these were key!), and met up with everyone. Sat down for a few minutes and eventually got some food. The post-race food was a little bit of a letdown.



My fitness level was definitely at its peak about 2 months ago. I need more time in the saddle, more long rides and maybe more/longer transition runs.


For my 2nd HIM (only 2 months afer the 1st) I'm happy with how my day went. Aside from wanting to PR, I didn't set any times goals for this race. I was just under 2 minutes slower than last time, BUT I felt a million times better throughout the day. My nutrition was spot on for once, and I think I finally nailed down precisely what works and what doesn't.