I started outside to the left after seeing the earlier waves bunch up on the right and drift inside the buoy line. I had a nice clear lane until after the 2nd turn, when I started running into more traffic from the earlier waves. Navigation got a little tricky because of the angle of the sun, and people were weaving around a bit. I hydrated well during the 2nd half of the swim. Swim time includes the run up the hill to transition.

Stay more to the outside on the last leg to avoid traffic.

No wetsuit to mess with, so this was pretty simple.

Get my tender feet used to riding sockless.

I had checked my bike computer when I set up in transition, but the sensor must have gotten bumped at some point because it wasn't reading speed. Fortunately, the cadence sensor was working, so I rode by HR and cadence and did the math at the 10-mile markers to figure out how I was doing. While my split was faster than I had planned to ride, people were passing me like I was standing still. It is a very fast course, and super fun to ride. The pavement was a bit rough on the last 6 miles or so, when the course comes back around the north side of the reservoir. At about mile 50, I looked up to thank some spectators and hit a small but deep pothole. Fortunately, I didn't flat!

Might as well 'fess up - not take 2 weeks off from my bike right before a race. My sit bones said ouch!

Pretty easy transition, time includes a brief visit to the porta-potty.

Did okay here.

I have been preparing for this run all summer: running in the heat, practicing my hydration, and getting ready mentally. I really watched my effort level on the bike, and ate and drank as much as I could because I knew I'd have trouble taking in nutrition on the run. The first 2 miles felt pretty rocky, but once I passed the mile 2 aid station I got my running legs back and felt solid. After going out too fast on the run at Knoxville, I watched my pace and just tried to get into that "I could do this all day" zone. The aid stations were fantastic, with ice water, ice, and cold sponges every mile. I carried a water bottle so I could drink little sips every few minutes instead of waiting for the aid stations. I held a steady pace until the last 2 miles, when my stomach started saying no even to water and ice and my pace slowed by ~1 min/mile.

I'm happy with my run. I paced myself well and managed the heat, thanks to the excellent course support.

Got my finisher's medal and hat, and walked through the finish area trying to figure out how I was going to stay on my feet for awhile. Then I discovered the cold shower station, and the world became a better place. I looked around for my tri-club buddies, but couldn't find anyone so I went up to the top of the hill above the finish and cheered people in for awhile. I stayed on my feet for about an hour until I found the tri-club folks in the shade and sat down to hang out with them.


Um, let's see... oh yeah, time on the bike!


Great course, very well organized, fantastic volunteers (1400 volunteers for 1600 athletes!), patient and supportive locals. The aid stations on the run were the best I have ever seen, and the volunteers at mile 15 on the bike (who we went past 3 times) were especially awesome. I'm sorry I didn't get to do this race as the Endurathon, and I hope the Endurathon regulars were satisfied with how WTC managed the event.