The overall mens winner just pipped me on the swim, but over half of it was running anyway. Basically, it was a 50 yard run on sand, 50 yard run in water then a few dolphin dives and 25-50 yards to the buoy. Once at the buoy we had to swim against the current to the next buoy (good for me...not so good for weaker swimmers). Then about 50 yards swimming, a few steps to get over a sand bar, dolphin dives, 25 yards swimming then a 100 yard run up the beach. An interesting swim to say the least.

chickened out on keeping the shoes clipped in. Maybe I'll try next weekend? Didn't seem to cost too much time (maybe 10 sec tops).

Would have liked to have gone a little bit faster (23.5 mph was my goal). But overall was happy with the performance.

Not much

Should have taken shoes off before dismounting, but chickened out. Then could not find my rack spot at first, overran it and had to duck under the rack to grab my sneakers. Chose not to wear socks which saved a little time at least.

Try not to get lost in transition (although this time it only cost me maybe 2 seconds). Leave shoes on bike.

Felt OK on the run - still not 100% and my hip was bothering me so didn't push it too hard. I knew I had a sizable lead over the women's field so just kept a steady pace. At the turnaround I noted the time and saw the first female about 2-2.5 min later. At that point I eased up slightly since I had a little under a 5 min lead. Was able to high-five friends going the opposite direction and enjoyed the moment. As I finished the announcer mentioned I'd been in a bad bike accident 4 weeks ago (how did he know that!) and it was good to see me competing and in top shape again.

Not much - maybe not ease up quite so much - a bit annoyed I didn't go under 7 min pace.

Chatted with friends. Cheered on the other top females finishing and congratulated them. Drank some water and got a massage (back has been bugging me).


Not much - lack of run training.


For a first time race, this event was extremely well organized. Good amount of volunteers, finisher medals. AWESOME overall awards - Vera Wang perfume, Road ID gift certificate, HEED, lots of bike nick-knacks including bike lights which I needed!
Guess I have the female course record now :)