Swim was pretty solid. Drafted only a smidge; went ahead and made passes since it was a short event.

There were some people diving in to the pool to start, and no official came over to stop it. Unfair advantage.

My flip turns weren't great, especially pushing off into the next lane.

Grabbed my arm warmed that I have staged at the pool exit. However, they wouldn't slip on my wet arms, so I ditched them when I reached the bike. Mount line was pretty far out of transition, so even though it was a pretty quick change, the overall time was a bit long. 7th in AG.

A smidge slow getting clipped in after jumping on bike.

A good ride for me. Passed by only one person, who was on their second lap as I started the first. I used him as a rabbit for that first lap, then tried to keep the pace up on my own. Was pushing hard enough that I didn't regret not having the arm warmers, even though my feet were numb by the time I finished.

Remember all my race gear. The front tire might have given me the 2 seconds needed to take another overall place.

Good dismount, but again a long run just to get to transition. Just a smidge slow getting the bike on the rack. (Aerobottle makes it hard to get the brake levers over the bar.) However, was quick getting shoes on and onto the run.

1st in AG

(Combined T1+T2: 2nd in AG)

A great run for me. My Garmin measured the course slightly short, but even extrapolating for a full 5k, it was still a PR run (19:25)! I didn't get to pace off anybody, but there were enough people on the course that I always had someone to chase and pass.

Even caught up with and had a chance to acknowledge Dennis on the second half.

Stretched a few minutes, congratulated Dennis when he finished and met his family. Saw Aaron (JeepFleeb) and chatted for a few minutes.

Then went back to transition, changed into my regular running shoes (out of my racers) and a potty stop before heading back on to the run course for some extra mileage. (Since we couldn't get bikes out yet.)

Ended up doing three additonal loops of the run course. Took it slower and cheered/encouraged the other racers this time. Volunteers and I started heckling each other after they realized what I was doing, which was fun.


In the past, I have hesitated to recommend Dallas Athletes races. However, this event was much better and seemed to go off smoothly. (Other than the issue with not preventing diving into the pool.)

Post race had pancakes (cool!) but only oranges and bananas otherwise. Fuze and PowerAde were providing drinks, and there was a band at the finish. (A bagpiper was playing in the natatorium during the swim, which I really liked.)

Schwag included a decent running hat and socks (both with shamrock theme), but I wasn't fond of the long-sleeve cotton race t-shirt.