I didn't get off to a good start at all. They put you in the water 1min before the bell. My wave was still getting in the water as the bell sounded. I was one of them waiting and we had to wait. The stairs put you in the middle of the pack so we had to wait until the back of the pack got by. Then I jump in and haven't put my goggles on yet so I tread water and struggle to get them on and not get run over. What this did do was leave some open water for me to swim in and not get to crowded. I got into a good groove heading south and made the turn without incident. One the way back I started getting worried about making the cut back towards the wall at the start finish line and swim sidestroke a bit. I had to go to the bathroom the entire swim and could not go while swimming and wasn't about to stop and tread water. The swim went pretty well, I figured my time was faster than this but overall I am pleased. Biggest body of water and the most competitors I have every swam in so finishing this was cool.

Get in the water early when the announce my wave. I would rather treadwater the 60 secs and just float to the back as people enter than have to wait to get into the water. Definately cost me a minute or so.

Still more swim training. The mile isn't as intimidating now that I have done it 3 times. I need to work on being consistant and swimming strong.

I took my time on the 1/2 mile run to the transition area, at least to my bike. We had a good 500 meters from exit of swim to run around the pier to T1. I walked most of it wanting to save my legs. I wasn't worried about time however I was very annoyed I couldn't get my wetsuit off my ankles quickly.

Next year I will have different goals than I did for this race. Next year I run to T1.

My goal on the bike was to just cruise. Not fast and definately not what I would consider race pace. Holding back at times was difficult but my strategy for this race was to enjoy it. Take in the sights on the bike and run. The bike was awesome, as you head back towards T2 you see the Sears Tower come in to view and the skyline all along the course was cool. Riding with traffic on the right two lanes was pretty cool. Awesome bike ride although a smooth rode would be incredibly fast. I saw lots of flat tires, I guess with as many competitors the percentage may be the same at other races it was a lot of flat tires.

For this race, NOTHING. I did what I wanted to do and that was keep the speed controlled and ride about 85%. I did that and felt great getting off the bike. Next year, I will go race pace.

As I came into T2 I took my bike shoes off and carried them instead of running in them. I had quite the hike back to the bike, less than a 1/4 mile but I didn't want to run in my shoes. It felt great actually. Took my time getting from bike rack to exit but overall pretty good.

Nothing really except be quicker from bike to run start.

My whole goal was to run the run. I didn't want to walk and I certainly didn't want a repeat of a couple of weeks ago. The course was well marked and had some little inclines that were not long but enough to burn the thighs a bit. The one problem I had was seeing the Mile Marker 4 twice at the turn around. The first time you see it you haven't turned around yet and I was trying to figure out how that was possible. Then at the turn around you come back by the 4 and you realize your mistake and you still have 4+ to go. From mile 3-5 was the toughest part. The water stations were a little farther apart and the confusion of mile 4. I still knew I had only 20min's left so I wasn't too worried. I caught up with Mark at mile 6 and had I known it was just around the bend I would of ran in with him but I thought I had 1/2 mile to go or so. He said the same he would of picked up the pace and ran in with me had he known. I planned on 10 min miles going in and again being able to enjoy the experience.

Nothing on this run. I guess know the course but I have that going for next year. Next year I run the course.

Well I was definately hot coming across the finish line 5hrs after the first wave started and feeling the sun beating down on me led me straight to the big fans spraying water. Oh so refreshing. Eric was there at the finish line waiting with water and Gatorade, very nice. I needed something cold to drink but that didn't seem to be around anywhere. Found some shade and sat and talked with Eric and Mark. I felt great. I wasn't sore, tired and actually hungry. I am usually not hungry for a while after a race. This was nice.


Me, I wanted to take this race comfortable. I wanted to just enjoy it and not blow up on the run. More of a confidence boost than anything. I could of gone faster and been fine but I didn't want to push any one event.


I will definatley do this race again. So much fun. I was able to do my race and enjoy the experience. Worlds largest triathlon and I was there. 7500 bikes in transition and mine was one of them. The pros were there and I was with them. Just a very cool experiece. Next year I want to see how well I can do here. The bike course is fast and even holding back I was up to 30mph on some of the declines, as there are no real hills or anything. The run course is hot but can be a good course once you know it and the swim is basically a straight shot. I would probably want to stay Sunday night next year and not have to worry about checking out of the hotel.