Wow, that water was HOT! Pushed the first 200m to 1st buoy for position, then settled down into more deliberate pace. Drafted OK, but needed to sight more (seemed to drift left)

Focus on good pacing and remembering technique, remember to sight regularly

Took it REALLY slow to get the heart rate back down after the hot tub session, walked the whole way. Technical mount line meant no flying mounts.

Colder waters so I'm not so wiped at the end of the swim

The sprint course always had hills and technical parts, and the Int'l distance course was ... more hills. The small 1-lane bridge w/ ruts was not as bad as I expected. Lots of time in the small gear. Beautiful country, though. Made sure I didn't hammer too much so my body could absorb the fluids I was drinking.

Nothing

Again, took it easy to get the HR down and enjoy the heat-fest

Race in cooler weather

Hilly, Sunny, HOT (90+deg), MUGGY (90%), all add up to the BATAAN DEATH MARCH. The first loop was hot, the second loop would have been impossible w/o walking at each of the water stops to douse myself and drink, and make sure my body could absorb the fluids. Also decided not to push it to make sure my achilles tendon didn't flare up. Legs felt really weak at mile 5 going uphill, thank goodness the course ended on a downhill.

Avoid injuries, do more hill work and heat acclimation before the race

WARM-down??? Try COOL-DOWN! Dipped my butt in an ice bath kiddie pool, AAAAAAHHHHH; drink Infinit Recovery, then tons of water.


Duh, HEAT?


I loved this inaugural Int'l Distance race. More time to enjoy this beautiful venue. The volunteers were fantastic, and the ice-baths at the finish were a God-send.