Rough Start, a real clobber fest. My timing chip felt like it was going to fall off, but I was trying to avoid stopping to get it on right. Then, half way back from thre firs turn I ran into three swimmers that were swimming at the same pace nearly parallel, very hard to pass. An opeing between them opened up, but closed half way through my attempt at getting through, resulting in some hardcore bumping.
The water is pretty shallow, but before the race I had resigned myself to swim as far as I could. However, as I neared shore, I noticed that I was losing ground to people who were walking. So, I stood up and did a few "Dolphin" dives on my way to shore. I gained a little time back.

Draft a little better and pick a better line. It was an okay swim, about as good as a I get at this point.

I had my race belt today, which made it quick. However, once again, I opted to wear a bike jersey so I could avoid using an underseat bag. But, I forgot to put my spare tube and levers in anyway. So, it was a waste of effort. I struggled hard to get in my clips and get going.

I'm going to concide defeat to my under the saddle bag and use one next time. And, I also plan on wearing something easier to get in and out of.

Bike course went well. However, it was closer to 16.5 miles than 16. I passed a lot of people, but being in the last individual wave, that really didn't mean much. So, I wasn't sure how I was doing.
Diaster struck about 1/4 mile into the bike, as I fumbled my only water bottle of cytomax never to be seen again....
Cross winds most of the race, with a good stretch of tail wind, and a pretty good, yet short, stretch of headwind heading back.

Not drop my water bottle. Push a little harder.

Decided to just pick up my bike and run with it. It was actually much faster than trying to run along side of it. Got a few weird looks.
I downed half of a bottle of water, as I had dropped my bottle on the bike. struggled to get my shoes on. took my time.

I need to practice this transition.

I went out doing the fat man shuffle, a slow half run/half death post bike shuffle as usual. However, I resigned myslef to not walk, not the hills, not anything this time. There was good hill about halfway, and I told myslef I wasn't going to walk and I didn't, which got me going. After this I picked up the pace, to around a 830 mile from my 11 I was shuffling at. Not sure where it came from, but it restored some of my confidence. That being said, for the first time, I actually felt like I "ran" most of the run and actually sprinted to the finish. It doesn't show in my time. But the second half of my run really left me feeling good at the end of the day.

I need to continue to run. My next planned event is the Madison Mini-Marathon 1/2, so I should be getting in some good miles. With my intent being trying to finish (not compete) in the Lake Geneva Half-Iron, in September.

Kissed wife, drank water, kissed baby, showered.


lack of sleep, continued poor eating habits pre-race and everyday.


Great race, beautiful venue. I'll be back for sure. T-shirts were on the lame side, but how many shirts do you really need??