I managed to start out in front of the pack. This is key and really helped me from the beginning. I never really had to fight for position after the 1st 50 yards or so. Had to revert to combination of freestyle and breastroke about 350 yards into the swim. Something about OWS just makes be more tired than usual. Lead pack of swimmers stayed about 50 yards ahead once we settled into rhythm. I really like the fact that different age groups have different color caps. Makes it easier to see how well I'm doing with respect to rest of the group. Could never catch up. Did manage to do some drafting along one swimmer for awhile but eventually she pulled away. Very good sighting. 10 of 151 in swim.

Must work on longer segments of freestyle only.

Think I was a bit flummoxed during transition. Couldn't decide whether to put helmet on first or last. But achieved overall goal which was not to panic. Everything soaking wet from passing thunderstorm. 19 of 151 in transition.

Practice transition the day before - which I did not do.

Tackled bike differently from last race. My goal was to keep comfortable cadence and not push too hard. I think I succeeded here. I only used the big ring for some long downhills and resisted the temptation to increase gears when pedaling got a bit easier. Except for hills kept my cadence at 95+. Tried to make sure legs didn't burn (except for hills when had no choice). Pretty bummed at riders on nice bikes just blowing past me on the hills. My circa 1994 Trek needs replacing.

I did keeping worrying about my daughter during the ride though. She was riding a heavy old youth mountain bike with just about the fattest tires one ever sees. I knew the bike route would be a real struggle for her. So my focus was split between my ride and knowing that she was really, really working hard to go half as fast.

Bike calculator not working - make sure works - sensor got turned around. Need a new bike.

Couldn't make up my mind whether I wanted a drink or not. Lost a few seconds here. 14 of 151 in transition.

Practice transition the day before.

Came off the bike nicely. My legs seemed to be working pretty well. Seemed to keep a nice pace. Did power walk up three hills. Passed a few runners. Didn't press hard as I should have.

Press the run more to make sure I give it all I had.

I lost track of my placement during bike and run. So I kind of let down a bit on the run and didn't nail transitions. But I was having a really good time and noticing the scenery around me (something I did not do last race). Thought I was back farther than I was. If pushed the bike and run just a teeny bit harder maybe could have caught up to other age groupers in front of me. Less than two minutes separated 2nd through 5th.


Very good race. Well organized. Event location is terrific and family friendly. Had a really good time. So did my girls!