WTF...history repeats. I got a great start and was swimming with the lead group of guys. All is good. My left goggle filled up with water. I try to ignore, but I could not sight. So, I stopped and cleared it. When I started again, I could not find a rhythm and got frustrated. This lead to a small panic attack. I finally relaxed just enough to get going. I exited the water really upset because I knew I blew the whole race and it was only 12 minute old. I did close to the same act last year.

I really need to find the zen of OWS. I do not have it. I have mastered the navigation skills. I know I am pool fast. Bottom line, I need to relax more. Also, I need OWS time. Familiarity is sorely needed.

***Estimated time due to problems with timing equipment**** I ran full on to T1. I had a perfect spot...last bike in front of the bike exit. Speed suit came off quick, on with shoes and helmet..off we go.

still need to commit to having the shoes in the pedals. Otherwise, it was fine for the first transition since last Sept.

I really felt good. I hammered constantly with only a few drops in pace. The hills came and went without issue. I played tag with The Cube for a little bit. Otherwise, only a few people got past me while I pasted a ton of people. I knew I needed a good bike leg to redeem by poor swim. This was my best bike leg ever. The base miles really paid off. I did forget my water bottle at home. A little water on the bike would have been nice. Interesting that I did not average much faster than last year, but I got to T2 much fresher.

Nothing. Just need to add some intensity to enable this speed at the OLY distance (and still get off fresh)

****estimated time due to problems with timing equipment, I used last years times**** My rack spot was literally 5 yards from the entrance. So, I did not take my feet out of the shoes. I figured it was faster. I did not slow down to take my feet out plus I dropped the hammer and passed a bunch of people on the park road leading to transition. I moved quickly and left the socks out. It was wet and would not have made any difference.

I think some Yankz would save me 15 seconds. I am thinking about using them.

I do not know how I feel about this run. I really thought I had more in me. While I hammered the bike, I really felt fresh in T2. I did not get passed by many people, but the overall performance felt flat. However, it was perfectly average visa vie AG peers. I focused on form and really shorted up the turn over on the hills and pumped the arms. All things normal runners do. I just could not run faster. I tried to make it hurt, but could not get going fast enough to change the subject from going fast to dealing with pain. I hit the line and felt like there was a ton left in the tank. I am getting better, just stay positive and look forward to PIT.

I really think longer tempo work and a little bit of speed work will make a difference. I am close to a break through. Just need to focus on improving the form and make some tweaks to the WO schedule.

After finishing, I walked down 200 meters on the run course. Dan was down there with him mullet wig cheering on people. I joined him and had fun pushing people to finish strong.

Since my good friend Chris finished 3rd, I decided to stay for the awards. Great to see him get some medal! I hung out with ATC people and met a bunch of new ATC teammates. I need to invest time into the club and do more team WOs. It will make race day even better.


It would have been a great race except for the swim. I left at least 1 or 2 minutes out there and I needed those two minutes to go under 1:10, which was the goal. Since I know I am a good swimmer, this assessment is actually positive relative to the overall.




Gotta love TTP series. Basic, fun, organized sprint series. They consistently do a good job every race, every year.