Assigned to my lane with four other swimmers and we discussed out estimate swim times. I elected to go first and it was a good decision. Swam the first 175 freestyle and built a little lead. Next 25 yards breast stroke to rest my shoulders and second place started to catch me. Continued this method of 75 yards free/25 breast and pulled away. Actually lapped one swimmer twice.

Nothing. This seems to be the best I can do swimming wise. My actual swim time was 9:52, which is awesome for me considering I swam 75 yards breast stroke!
I also counted my laps this time to avoid last year's snafu.

Pretty good but I ran to the wrong rack as I saw a bright yellow bike there that wasn't mine. Cost me a few seconds. Jump on bike sucked, nearly fell over.

No socks this time and it got me out 18 seconds faster than last year. Definitely race with no socks for all sprints!

First sprint on the tri bike; was debating road vs. tri bike. Took me a bit to feel settled but once I hit the first hill I was comfortable. Really moved past other riders here and maintained great cadence/effort on the hills. Second lap dropped my water bottle and would have liked to have stopped for it but there was no way. Saw Tom shortly after and I thought he said something being high up in my age group/race? Was passed for the first time here and kept up for the rest of the race.

Keep pushing. Bike confidence goes up each year and lots of long rides prior to this race helped. Did finally get over 19 mph and took :35 seconds off last year's time.

Little trouble racking and getting my shoes on but good none the less.

Nothing. :03 faster than last year.

Legs felt great off the bike. Started to get a side stitch on my right side around 0.75 miles, which was frustrating considering I drank virtually nothing on the ride. Feet were a little numb from being cold. Stitch subsided at the turnaround and my legs still felt great. Downhill off the turnaround was just what the doctor ordered and got my groove going post cramp. Pushed hard back in and finished strong! 15 seconds faster than last year!

Not sure what's up with the stitch. Last year didn't have one but have had them previously.

Walked around. Stretched.


Learning my abilities. Still lots of improvement to be made in the bike and I'd love to break 20:00 in the run.

Would be awesome to make an AG podium! This has got to be the only downfall to racing in Colorado..
But all in all, this was a great race and I improved in all five areas from last year. Race time was over 2 minutes faster than last year, though I did swim an extra minute or so.


Love living in Highlands Ranch!