I was pretty happy with my swim. I was in the first wave (of four) and started at the back (on purpose) treading water. I got into a pretty good rhythm early on and just tried to find someone slow enough to draft on. Didn't find anyone until the second lap but I have no complaints.

Holding my breath longer will speed me up some.

I got there early enough to get a good end spot on the rack so didn't have any problems finding it. It was a little tricky getting my feet in as the first 1.5miles was uphill. I was in the right gear, just had to work a little harder.

8th place overall on T1

Like I said, it was just a crazy course. It was uphill until you were completely out of the park. Then it was up and down, left and right the whole way. These were VERY rural roads and the trees went right up to the winding road so you didn't know what the next 100m held.It also kept the sun at bay for most of the race. You were either standing, pedaling your heart out to get 8mph on an uphill or screaming down banked turns hoping there weren't cars or sharper turns ahead. Three different times I passed 38mph!

Pedal faster.

The dismount line was at the bottom of another ridiculous hill so that was kind of sketchy. Jumped off (in socks) and was moving a little faster than I expected. No problems, just caught me off guard. Racked the bike and threw the helmet off. Quickly slid into my shoes and grabbed my belt, hat, and ice cold water.


1st place overall on T2

The first lap was pretty brutal. I never really caught my breath after the bike and my stomach was not a fan of all the jumping around. Coming downhill as I finished that loop felt good and I got some more water in me. The trees did keep the sun off us again. I ran nearly the whole way on the second lap because I knew that 3hr goal I set was fast approaching. It finished running downhill on gravel which is just asking for trouble.


But what if I don't want to follow the arrows???



Somewhere in there is a trail.

Probably do a trail run before a race.

Found a shade tree and downed a bottle of water. Showered and changed at the pavilion. It was really a nice park if I'm ever up that way. Cookies, crackers, fruit, water, gatorade... they really had a nice spread.


Time of my life!