I stayed shore side of the ramp about half way between. I worked my way to the 2nd or 3rd row of people and tried to find some space just like everyone else. Bang and we are off. This was my first mass start so was a little concerned about getting room to swim so I stayed wide. Worked out very well but it is amaizing how many people can not swim a straight line if their life depended on it. I would be going along and someone would cross right over me going in and out, very strange. The corners were always interesting with so many people turning and stopping so I tried to stay wide and out of trouble. Second loop I stayed closer to the bouys. Started cramping with 700yds or so to go so slowed and just tried to prevent full seizure. Got out and was pleased with my time of 1:11, stripped and off to the helix. The energy was amaizing. One guy came flying past us full sprint which got the croud going.
Over all very happy with the swim. One heel to the chin on the last corner but not hard. Unfortunatelly the easiest part of my day was already over.

Nothing

Took my time. Had a great helper. I'm always a bit paranoid that I will forget something. I fully changed into bike shorts etc..

Could speed it up a bit but with 11-12 more hrs to go a few minutes wasn't going to kill me.

I'm not a very strong biker and have not done enough long training rides so I just wanted to take it easy and not overcook the hills. I was able to hold off Chasingkona until about mile 21, he was the only person I knew that I ran into on course. Always nice to see a familar face. The support of the people out there was great.It was a little sad that on what seemed like every big climb the croud would go nuts and just when I was believing it was for me it turns out I was being chicked. They were all studs and deserved the response. Oh well.
We scouted the areas where I could expect to see my family on Saturday but of course they were at a completely different location so the first time by I almost missed them but they stuck it out and waited for me to come around again. They were just after the last of the big climbs which was easy for them to get in and out.
I hadn't riden the stick before and thought I was done climbing then there was the hill at mile 100 or so. Durring a training ride probably wouldn't register as a big deal but after 6 hrs it felt pretty tough. Monona Terrace never looked so good and going up the helix was awsome. As always it felt great to get off the bike. Little did I know what was in store for me.

Nothing

Had great help again, fully changed and again took my time. Just very happy to be off the bike. 26.2 to go.

nothing

I wanted to be off the bike by 8 hrs leaving me 5 hrs to get home under 13 total so I was right on schedule. Saw Mary and headed up to the capital and bam both quads cramped on me. This has happened before so I kept going to work them out. A couple hundred yards from the Donkey station Biscay was heading back in. Isn't it great to be able to be out there with the pros? So I shout out something encouraging to her and my left hamstring siezed. At this point it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure that I was in for a long run and my desired time was already out the window. Dave was the first donk and he gave sone wisdom and I was happy to stop a minute to start working it out. Saw a couple others and headed out. The rest of my day was a walk run suffer fest because any elevation change and I would start cramping so I just did what I could. The trail portions were beautiful and I actually started to tear up reading the signs along the path, what a great pick me up.
At the end of state street my family was there so I gave my brother an update and told him to expect me closer to 14 than 13 hrs. Second lap was more of the same, run as long as able and walk when I felt that I had to. There were a couple of people down and a guy that was heaving violently on the second lap and I could only be thankful and a little embarassed that I was mad about my time. So many things can happen out there.
As I rounded the Capital I saw some of the donks again, quick high five and off to the chute. A caught up to a gal who was running strong, no one was close behing so I backed off so we could both have a good finish line experience. I tried to soak it up more than last year. What an incredible feeling. It is in that moment that you remember why we do this. Just incredible.

I have 12 months to solve my cramping issues and I need to train more because 2011 here we come!

Got my stuff, photos with the family. Went to the food tent but it was just more of what the aid stations had and after 5:34 that sure as hell wasn't what I wanted. After a few minutes pizza showed up but could only manage a couple bites. Did see Suzy there so that was a huge bonus.


I wanted to stick around but after a while I just wanted a shower and bed so we got my gear and headed out.
What a beautiful day, we couldn't ask for any better conditions.
I may actually have to get a coach or plan for next year but with my life it is not easy.
The next morning I asked my wife if I should sign up for 2011 with my brother and she said absolutely if I want to. Support of the famliy is crucial and I know that I am one lucky man.
Thanks again to every one out there that made the day possible.