There's a lot of banging at the start as it's fairly narrow out to the first turn (maybe 200m). Usually, it doesn't bother me much, but this year I just didn't feeol comfortable. At the first turn, I went too wide and lost all the draft. At least I was able to get my swimming back under control. At the next turn, I managed to get back onto the right line and did get at least some draft benefit.

In past years, you could just angle home from this turn. But, this year they forced you stay further out from shore and make a 90-degree turn once you got level with the finish. Had some more banging on the way in from that bouy. Don't think it was my fault, but who knows.

The added turn might have added a bit to my swim time relative to the past, but my relative ranking shows clearly that my swim is below where it has been in the past--no surprise there.

More relaxed with the bumping and better swim training. Working on the latter again and hopefully the former will come with that, as well.

Had some trouble getting my wetsuit off and was slow just getting myself organized. rank: 65

Plan better pre-race.

Was a little slow getting my shoes tightened but, once I did, began picking off riders in front of me. Think I was passed only once on the ride (towards the end). Had some long gaps between groups of riders (only one group that I saw looked like there was some drafting going on, though) and probably allowed my focus to drift during some of those periods. Ended up riding with an IF of about 0.93 and would have liked to have been at 0.95+. Still, I was faster than I was here in the past and my time was 6th overall. Not bad.

Forgot to put my bottle on my bike with sports drink, so did this one without fluids. Fortunately, the weather wasn't too hot and I don't think it had a big impact on my race.

A little more focus.

This was pathetic. Decided to put socks on for the run as I had some slight rubbing from trying these shoes sockless on Thurs. Put the sock on wrong the first time and had to totally redo it. Even after that, I was just too slow here. rank: 116

I've used socks in all but one race in the past and have always set them up to be quick to put on. Didn't do that this time and it showed. Just not prepared and organzied for my transitions. An easy fix, but really something that shouldn't have happened even on an 'off' day.

Caught a few people on the run and got passed by a couple. I felt OK on the run, but not great and that's about how I'd classify my performance. About half-way through, I focued on my leg turnover and I did pick up the pace a little bit (negative split the run, which probably just shows I wasn't pushing hard enough out of the gate).

Grabbed some water at the first 2 aid stations (had too much at the second as I tried to 'make up' for not drinking on the bike) and passed by the last 2.

Push a little harder out of the gate and get that leg turnover going earlier.

Got some water and found the girls. Then grabbed some food and waited for the Bambino Biathlon race. Emma had a good time, finishing 4th in her AG and sprinting past nearly a dozen kids in the final 100m.


Training, mostly, though I gave up some time just from being 'sloppy'.


This is one of my favorite races. Nice size, low key, good course, some fast competition, well organized, nice kids race and great post-race food & awards. This was my 4th time racing here (first time in '05) and I am sure I'll be back for more.