Exact same swim time as last year. I tried to work on the things that John Pace talked to me about in the coached swim session, but I just forgot when I got into the pool. I got passed by quite a few people and was breathing a lot more often than I usually do. Felt slow, but I did pretty much the same as last year.

Same time as last year.

Work on swim positioning.

Ran out of the pool and got lots of cheers from the RTC volunteers, which was awesome! Ran into transition but miscounted my rack. Oh well. Stepped into my shoes. Right one folded under my heel and I had a hard time getting it unstuck. Got it straightened out and ran out.

22 seconds slower than last year.

Not much. Freak thing with the shoe. Seems to be the theme of the day (see T2 for more on that)

I really forgot how hilly this course was. There were lots of parts where I was doing 18 - 20 mph, but just as many in the 9 - 11 mph range due to the climbing. I still passed quite a few people, but I just wasn't feeling confident. There were parts where all I wanted to do was pull over and take a nap in the grass.

28 seconds faster than last year.

Work on my hill riding.

Revenge of the shoe here. I tried taking my shoes off on the bike. Left one came out easily, right did not. By the time I got to the dismount line, I knew it wasn't coming out, so I just unclipped the shoe. Ran in with one bare foot and one shoe. Probably looked hilarious, but I figured it was better than fighting at that point. I'm sure it slowed me down.

Got back to the rack and found that someone racked over my stuff, so I slid her bike down while racking mine. Got socks on - stumbled a bit - and then into shoes. Tying laces takes a bit.

30 seconds slower than last year.

Work on getting my feet out of my shoes. Maybe lace locks?

As usual, here's where my race started to suck. I had a great first two miles (25:00 total), but the last mile was just a mental struggle. It was all I could do to keep running and most of the time I lost that mental battle. I was having a hard time getting enough breath despite using the inhaler, which I think was a result of the humidity. It was frustrating because I had such a great start to the run.

Neil gave me the best encouragement of the day as I was getting to the finish line and really struggling - "50 meters to River City Diner!". That really gave me the final push I needed. I was so looking forward to being done and having breakfast!

15 seconds faster than last year.

No idea. I need to do more bricks I think.

Walked around and tried to find water, which was way harder than it should have been. Took a shower and grabbed my bike as it started to sprinkle. Chatted with Marilyn and Carly again - they both had great races!!

Then went to breakfast - YUM!!!


Mostly mental. I was listening to the doubt and giving up even though I could have done it physically. I just wasn't feeling the race that day.