Actually decided to take it easy this year in the pool and sacrifice the swim for a better bike and run. Planning not to pass anybody but it got so jumbled up that I had to do it and ended up passing to people back to back which left me nobody to draft.

First time racing and doing a running mount. Worked fine except that my shoes were a little more difficult to get on while my feet were wet. 2nd in age group for T1.

From mile 1 to mile 6 knots were developing in both calves due to the cold shock from the pool. Spent a lot of time standing up out of the saddle and stretching my calves. Could have done at least a minute faster. Somewhat disappointed in that, but it was a result of the cold, not training. Also, the wind was so strong that when pulling shoes off before the dismount I almost got blown in the ditch. Very lucky there.

When I racked my bike, I knocked another bike down and had to fix that twice. Wasted about 10 seconds on it. 8th in AG in T2.

Didn't drink for the whole race. Still suffering from the cold with tight lungs. But I pushed through the run without slowing down and without stopping. Something that hurt too much to do last time 2 years ago.

Stretching.


The cold air and the wind.


Great short race. Fun atmosphere.