Though the time doesn't show it this was my best swim by far. I could've gone all day at this pace. All 100+ people at once. some standing in waste deep water, others on the shore. I was right about the middle. I was a little concerned when they announced it was a counter-clockwise swim cuz I only breathe to the right. Nontheless, the start went great as I found my rythym right away and cruised to the first bouy. Around the turn I drafted a women. Thought I could pass her but she was sighting so well I figured why waste the effort. Stayed on her heel the whole way. Around the last bouy i did finally pass her (hey thanks!). Felt great coming out. With the absence of timing chips I asked someone the time and they said 34 minutes. I was expecting better and thought maybe I should've worn that wetsuit afterall. Turns out most people complained that the course. Top swimmer was at 23.35 and my wife said he was screaming at the race director. He would know better than me. I was happy cuz I could have kept going but also felt great coming out of the water.

get a real wetsuit, elminate the doubt and just use the damn thing!

Well, I'll never know my exact time (note to self, buy a cheap watch!). This, I do know: I ran the entire 1/4 mile up to T1 (Last year I couldn't and it's where I realized I was sick). That was after I saw my wife and two kids on the way out of the water (always the best sight after EVERY stage).
My 9 year old ran w/ me to "help" wash my feet and send me on my way. That was great. Last year it took me 8 minutes, this year it did not!

Nothing

I was determined to do much better this year. Unfortunatly the rain was gonna make that difficult. It was raining hard when I started and thoughts of my July crash crept into my head. I took it easy on all the turns and pushed it pretty hard on the flats. I think I was only passed by one guy on this section. Actually tried to stay with him for a while and all I got was water in the face from his tire. Decided I was too close, than he was gone. The second half really is almost all uphill so the now driving rain wasn't much of a factor. EXCEPT for about a minute when it just friggen poured. That was the moment I said wtf am I doing out here and at the same time thought I am not doing the run in this rain. Well, it slowed a bit and I pushed those thoughts to the back of my mind.
The last climb was a lot easier on my new bike. With all the rain I was relieved to get off the bike. I only picked up 2 minutes from last year but I attribute that to the rain. I knew all the work had paid off as i felt strong gettiong off.

uh, not have terrential downpours. Drink more. I think I was focused on surviving the rain and negleted by consumption. I only drank 2/3 of my wateer and 3/4 of my gatrade/water mix. I would pay later.

Again saw the family. This time I realized they were as wet as me. Man, they're great. Suddenly I didn't feel so bad.

As I sat on my crate putting on my already wet sneakers, I asked some spectators what the time was and they said 1:58. Cool I thought, 10 minute miles and I break 3 hours! I knew I could that!

nothing, got out fast no problem. Riding w/ my feet out doesn't appeal to me at this time.

After last year's debacle I was determined not to walk a step this year. The rain didn't feel as bad at the start. I stuck to my plan and started slow over the grass then a 1/2 mile or so downhill. When that ended, I found my pace and settled in. Then the big hill came. I was prepared from my little recon the day before. I put my head down, chugged away and passed two people. I was getting thirsty though. Passed the 3 mile marker and still no water. I was really starting to get pissed at the organizers. Probably wasting energy i felt myself slow down. Finally at the 4 mile marker, an abandoned water sation! I stopped to pour myself a cup as about four people passed me. Nothing I could do, I needed to drink. Then the woman I passed on the big hill, passed me back. I tried to stay with her and just couldn't but I was determined to jog and not walk at all. For the second time the rain got to me. My shoes felt like bricks, me legs were tightening, I was trenched and I was still thirsty. This sucks I thought. But I was still running. I knew the last hill was coming. As I made the crest I had a burst of energy. It would be a sprint to the finish! And there they were, dripping wet and screaming for me, my smiling family. Just under 9 minute miles, I know I can do better, but still the clock showed 2:53. I broke 3 hours and bettered last year by over 20 minutes!!

drink more, a little out of my control here. Maybe a fuel belt?

Nothing, I really wasn't happy w/ the way the event was run and I really wanted a hot shower.


The rain, just the rain. All the damn rain.


It's a shame really because the venue is so nice but the organizers did a terrible job here. No notice about the timing chip or the change in swim direction. Very few volunteers, though the weather may have been a factor. No water on the run. No swag at all, just an ugly cotten t-shirt. I certainly won't drive 2 hours for this event in the future. This was redemption for last year. Next year, Timberman! I did learn a lot tho. My nutrition was great for a change. My conditioning and pacing were right on and I know things will happen that I can't control (Did I mention the rain?). I just have to deal, push on and know that at the end of the next stage they'll be waiting for me. I am now confident I know what it will take to do a 1/2 IM and look forward to doing one in 2006.