Air temps were so cold, I couldn't feel my feet anymore after standing on the cold sand for quite awhile. Race conditions deteriorated as the morning went on. My AG waded out into the water to wait to swim. After awhile we waded out deeper coz the water was warmer than the air. So we treaded water for about 15 minutes. The swim was eventually cancelled due to high chop/high winds. 10 people got in trouble out there and swamped the fire dept rescue boat. Everyone had to be rescued.

Either wear booties or not race on such a cold day! My feet finally warmed up around mile 2 of the run!

I heard from somebody that they took T1 and the bike split and combined them. I probably took a good 10 minutes here. My fingers were so frozen they just wouldn't work. I had to do everything slow and deliberate or it wasn't gonna happen. I think getting my bike helmet on took at least 3 minutes. My fingers had no strength to squeeze the little clip.

who the hell knows. Probably should have opted for the duathlon but I didn't

Fingers still frozen here. Affected shifting. Had to really concentrate on squeezing the shift lever. Never felt the ease and comfort I usually do on a bike....probably coz I was a popsicle! The hills seemed harder than when I practiced the route. Normally I love hills. Today it was "Where's the friggin' top?" Things started to thaw about half way thru and I was able to pick up the pace.

Because of the cold air temps its really hard to say here. I was a frozen popsicle. OK...maybe I should have a generater in T1 with and blow heat into my "dressing area" Maybe a hot toddy or two as well!

Still kinda numb when I hit T2, so I just walked into my area and racked the bike. Fingers warming up - translate: stinging like hell! Shoe exchange went fairly well - slow but well. Then I notice that my running tights weren't tied, so I stopped to tie it. Wouldn't you know - a huge knot! And my fingers still don't work really well! But I took the time coz I didn't want my pants falling down around my ankles. Now that would be a spectacle! I took off my cycle jacket as it was actually starting feel warm out!

Check for knots prior to start of race!

So I left T2 warm in the upper body but on 2 frozen bricks for feet. They were not going to flex for me. Pound, pound, pound! God help me I have 3 miles of this. Wait..I am actually passing people! How is this possible? Oh well, keep going! Around mile 2 my feet warmed up but I got a side stitch and my thigh and calf cramp started to really act up. I actually had to walk for approx 1-2 minutes. As I got onto the dam, the wind slammed into me, slowing me a little. Usually when I see the finish, I sprint but I knew if I did, the cramps would just sieze up my whole leg. Since I didn't want to be carried home I held the same pace to the end!

NOT GET INJURED/CRAMP UP 3 DAYS PRIOR TO RACE!

walked around for a bit


Leg cramps, frozen extremities!


There was a DJ playing in the transition area. Course I never heard them! I was concentrating so hard to move my extremties. There was a BBQ after but I left. I needed to get warm!

It was a good race - just wish Mother Nature cooperated a little more. But then I guess when does she ever?