Apparently there was a lot of current on the last leg of the swim. It did feel like it took forever, but I didn't realize how bad my time was until after the race. Everyone's times were slower than expected, so I don't feel too bad. I was scared at the start because I've never done an OWS without a wetsuit, but I did fine.

This was pretty typical for me.

I so badly wanted to break 3:30 on this segment, but it was hot, I was crispy, and the headwinds on the way back are killer. I spent most of the time in aero and did the best I could. I don't know about keeping cool, but the arm coolers def. helped me keep from getting more badly burned.

Nothing.

I was hot and knew it was going to be a long "run" so I took my time.

I had no expectations going into this run considering I had almost no run training due to my back. I wanted to run what I could and walk the rest. I was mentally prepared for anything. I did run/walk intervals with no real set schedule. I realized at the turn-around I had a chance to beat an arbitrary 3 hours, so I went for it and made it! My legs were threatening to cramp the last mile+, but I finished and was happy to have made it, especially considering the heat. Ick.

herniated disc in february, which severely limited bike and run training.


This is a well-run race, but if you have any delusion that it won't be hot, think again!!