started wide right up front along a small buoy line. got to the water and started to dolphin dive. on my second dive my right shin hit cinderblocks/rocks that were under the water...ouch. took my breath away.why those rocks were there...who knows. Sucked it up and got back to the swim.Little to no contact. My plan was to go out at the start, settle in then negative split the back end. Worked pretty well, I was one second slower here than last year.

I think I could have swum a couple more yards before standing up. Did not move out of the water very quickly...immediately begin to take the wetsuit top off. Not necessarily a bad thing but don't think I was moving as fast as I could have. Lost a draft in the last 200 yards or so. Did not plan my sighting markers for the finish either. Two big trees I'll look for next time.

one second faster here than last year. practiced and it paid off.

could be a bit quicker getting the suit off the heels. fifth fastest.

a little disappointed with the bike...six seconds faster than last year but expected a bit more. did not feel very well on the first half of this bike. planned to go out conservatively then pick it up. Stuck to that plan, hardly got into the little ring much despite the hills. Just lacking a little snap.Ran with 14 ounces or so of gatorade. No cramping issues on bike or run.

of course we say more time on the bike! I think more interval type bursting accelerations are called for as well. On the final big climb I would sit and grind for a 20 count then stand and accelerate for a ten count. Better here than last year but need to come out of the saddle a bit more.

three secs slower here than last year...came back into transition and someone on the other side of the rack had launched there wetsuit into my wheel slot....had to bend down and clear it before my rack. Out of my control.running out I had to scream at two lifeguards who were manning a water station...they were sitting there chatting as I approached and were oblivious to the fact that I might need a cup to drink or dump on my head. Thanks guys....you are getting paid to be here!

Not much, pretty pleased here. Fourth fastest.

felt better going out this year than last...and my 25 second improvement showed some good miles this spring and early summer paid off. tried to keep a high cadence and drive with the right side.once again it seemed the lifeguards tasked with handing out water on top of the dam were asleep as I came up and as I ran back...it's not that hard guys. look around..if someone is coming you offer them a cup or two. having volunteered at many water stations over the years i have seen six year olds do better than those people.You need h20 on the head and body as you run across the top of the damn...no shade at all. This race starts late-at 9:30...so at 10:30 on July 2nd you are booking and baking in the sun! only spots for water are coming out of transition and at the top of the damn. could really use another water station at the end of the damn. turned around and headed back across the top..getting a look at everyone who was coming for me. went for broke running down the damn dam...had a friend, who is an exceptional runner, on my ass about 30 seconds back and I knew this was my chance to gap him. I knew the finish was slightly downhill so I gave everything I had coming up the last couple of hills. Sprinted to the finish, letting out some yells. super happy to hold off my friend, beating him by 46 seconds. Chose not to wear the garmin or even a watch for this race, just going by feel. Pretty sure I was really moving for the last mile of the run.

More running would help, but I have been fighting an ITB injury so to do so well here, on my limited miles, really makes me happy.

sweaty hugs for the family and friends. cheered everyone else on in. got ready to volunteer for the kids tri which started right after our race finished.


injuries....limited amount of tng time.


Our club may be more involved with organizing this race in years to come and we certainly know how to improve it. Highlight of the day was watching my nine year old daughter complete her first triathlon. Seeing how excited the kids and parents were made it very worthwhile. Our next generation of triathletes are coming on strong! Beat my time from last year and set a p.b.! enough said.