Started in the back of the wave. Took a while to get going because of that. Also, goggles came off my head about 400m into the race. Had to stop and tread water to tighten them and put them back on.

Get up in the front. The swim is my strong point - I should not be afraid of the start line. Tighten goggles adequately before the race.

Wetsuit strippers helped me get it off my heels. Had to change into my bike jersey. Took extra time to make sure I didnt forget anything - about 30 sec double checking total. No sunglasses - I knew they'd fog up in the rain.

Wear a tri top. Never bought one after mine was cut off of me by the medics after my wreck during the summer.

Went out strong and fast on the bike. Still felt VERY fresh after 20,30, and 40 miles. Started feeling fatigue at 45 miles, but was able to slow down and regain composure. Started having GI issues at around 45mi (took in about 600 calories in 20 min - I had forgotten to eat at the right times), but the slow in pace helped the problems pass. Cornering was slow because of the rain and wet roads, but I was happy to go slower to avoid a spill.

Go harder! I was a little uneasy until about mile 20. I need to be confident about my speed and trust my GPS.

Had to swap out the socks to have dry socks on the run (very important for me). Also made sure to get the gravel and moisture off my feet to avoid problems on the run. Had to strip the bike jersey and throw on a tanktop for the run.

Again, tri top. I did the best I could about the rain and dry socks/running shoes.

Struggled to get my feet 'under me' and keep my 9min pace for the first 3mi. Stopped at the Shell station around 3mi to use the restroom. Ran according to plan/pace until about mile 6, where I hit the wall. Got past the wall around mile 7 - after that I ran the next 4 miles at a sub-8 pace! I then ran out of fuel and was cramping (hamstrings and butt) on both sides. I kept about a 10-11min pace for the last 2 miles or so, stopping to drink and stretch at aid stations.

Nothing. This was my first half marathon run. I was shooting to go (optimally) right at 2 hours. Factoring in my bike performance (19.8mph avg), I'm perfectly happy being 9 min slower than my 'optimal' goal.

Walked down through the chute & kissed my girlfriend. Was a bit unsteady on my feet but I kept walking. Got food (pizza and a Cliff bar) and walked around for the next 30 min or so talking to people and looking for my buddies. Walked 2 mi to the car afterward.


Experience. This was my first HIM.


The timing chips they had were CRAP. They literally CUT my leg on the run. I've seen much nicer chips (neoprene against the skin) at races with a $50 entry fee, so I don't know why not here.

Otherwise, it was an EXCELLENT race and an AMAZING experience.

I had expected, based on my training, to do in between 6hrs (for a 'perfect' race) and 6.5 hrs (realistically). I ended up going 5:36 for my first HIM!!!

I'm well on my way to do my first IM w/ a sub-12 hour time!!!!!