the open wave was huge. i positioned myself to the inside and back a few rows. when the gun went off i took my time and just cruised early. i was one of only 2 people not wearing a wetsuit. the water was warm to me and i hate wetsuits so i opt'd to not use one. before the turnaround i was rolling with a group of folks and then when we got to the buoys to head back people just started dropping me. i did pick it back up near the end and latch onto a group that dropped me but i was swimming very well to be in a decent position to race others in the group.

not a bad transition. i ran hard to the rack and passed a few people. was able to get on the bike quick. had my right hammy lock up once i was on the bike and trying to get my foot in my shoe. damn that hurt.

this is where i really fell of the pace of the other men in the open wave. i pretty much changed positions with one guy several times thru out and caught another guy on the last lap. my legs felt dead and the leaders where just killing me. near the end of the last lap it started to pour rain with made the road really slippery. i probably lost a min in the last 1/4 miles trying not to wreck around the turns.

other than getting my wet socks on to run this one went quick.

i really expected to struggle on the run b/c i was only running 3-5mile runs consistently. i went thru the first 2 miles in 11:34 and thought damn i am flying. however, it wasnt long after that before i really started to slow. i passed lots of folks and was never passed but i good also see some people gaining on me. i was almost caught by the overall winner philip graves when he was on his 2nd loop and i was finishing my first so i really kicked it in for a few to avoid that. during the last 2 miles the rain had let up and if the humidity and heat were awful. it was great early in the run with the heavy rain but at the end it was brutal.

training was really off this year. after IMSG i really slacked due to family and worked and it showed at the end of races.