Interesting....and a learning experience for sure. This is the first time I've done a duathlon on purpose. There have been a few TRI's that's ended up that way, but this is number one that I've signed up for. I really had no idea what to expect on the run as far as "trail" running was concerned. It took about 1 mile to figure out that I either had the wrong shoes for this, or mine were WAY to loose for trail running. We were up and down and left and right and DODGE THIS and DODGE THAT for most of the trail run, which left my foot sliding around in my shoe much more than on a regular run...which lead to some good blisters. I started out at a good pace, but was very conservative for the TRAIL part, as I didn't want to fall or turn an ankle, but I stayed within striking distance of the front guys for most of this run. By near the end, I decided I liked this kind of running, even with my feet killing me. I just need to change my strategy a bit.

Nothing....I'm learning on the fly here.

I was slow here compared to everyone else, and I'm not sure where to improve, except go to my own bike instead of someone elses next time.

Remember where I put my bike.

I did very good here. I passed most of the people in front of me from the first run and kept a great pace. Not to hard, but hard. I knew I was capable of a hard run even after a really hard bike from my training with the BIOWHEELS guys this summer...so I pushed a bit. I even passed a few guys on the hills! No one passed me until the last 2.5 miles, when one guy zipped by, but I kept him in view until the end. I bike this course fairly often, so there were no surprises...well...maybe a little one. I went down a hill at 50mph in an aero position, that I really should have with my hands on my bars.....the pucker factor was off the chart.....kinda stupid really....thank you GOD for keeping this stupid guy off the pavement today! Anyhow, I finished the bike feeling good enough to hit the pavement running....

Not much really. Just not try to kill myself over something so trivial.

Good.

Nuttin.

Got off the bike and saw the guy who had just passed me from the bike. I was on his heels within 1/4 of a mile and passed him before we hit the trails. I asked him to "come on" but he said he was his pace until the end. Off I went. I felt good this entire run, and felt nothing but better and better as it went on. I REALLY like this trail running!!!! By half way through, I knew no one was even close behind me, so I didn't push it so hard, because my legs were tired and I didn't want to hurt myself on this crazy trail. It was about this time that I saw my family walking down the trail! BIG SURPRISE, since I knew there was no way they could make it to the end before I did. I was happy to see them and they gave me a lift! I just held a nice comfortable pace until the last 1/2 mile, when the trail turned into a field and I could open it up a bit. I finished feeling great and fresh and happy!

Nothing. Zero.

I was sure that I was 4th overall when I finished, but didn't know my age position immediately. Walked around. Got some liquids and food in me and waited for family to emerge from the forest.


Knowing my abilities on this type of format. But I couldn't have been far off from my potential. Good enough.


Good. I'll do it again, but they could really tweak it just a tad to take it from a good race to a awesome race.