Good swim overall, had a little trouble with sighting on the first 1/4 of the swim, but managed to get better. Couldn't find any feet to draft, though it was a smaller race, so that probably didn't help. Liked the sleeveless wetsuit a lot more than the full sleeves at my last one, though this neck was HIGH and TIGHT. Not a fan, and will likely look into a different brand next time. Glad that I haven't bought one yet because I still haven't worn one that has fit me well.

Only not great part was the LARGE hill we had to run up to get to T1. Cruel and unusual punishment, though there wasn't any other way they could do it.

Nothing.

Took the extra time to put on gloves since I was riding my roadie without aerobars. People were walking out of T1 with their bikes and it was too crowded to get around them, so I had to walk too.

First lap was great! I was above target speed, but it felt easy. My goal was 16.5 mph based on my avg speed of 16mph at Quassy. Since it was flatter, I figured I could go faster. There were a few more hills than I expected and I had just gone to a double crank from a triple a few days ago due to some issues with my bike. I certainly missed some of those gears on the hill into Catabwa. Bottle exchange went well, first attempt at that so I was pleased. One mileish section of the bike was on loose gravel chipped road, not fun, but not as terrible as it could have been.

Only issues - really had to pee on the bike, but didn't want to stop when I left T1 and didn't want to stop when I looped past again. I need to learn how to pee while swimming! Also - my butt really hurt from my seat. This surprised me because I've had zero issues in training. Being on the seat for all 56 miles instead of off and on a stop signs/red lights really made a difference. May need to look into that.

Nutrition - ate 6 peanut butter crackers, most of a Nature Valley Granola bar, 1.5 Powerade Gels, 24 oz of Gatorade, and approx 40 oz of water.

First loop done in 1.5 hours, second loop took me closer to 1:45. Felt like the wind was stronger, or I was just more tired. Great support out there from other athletes though.

Get some aerobars. Seemed like 95% of the other athletes had them. Since I pulled off 2nd in my bike AG split without them I think I could knock some decent time off with them.

Tried to run into T2, but that was so not happening, quick walked it and did what I needed to do. Extra sunscreen - wish I remembered the back of my shoulders - ouch! Finally got to pee!

More sunscreen!

Legs felt good coming into the run, not out the door fresh, but not tired. This was not a good run for me though. I ran a HM earlier this year at 1:45, others in the past had been around 2 hours. Was hoping for 2-2:10. Close to 2:30 was a huge disappointment, especially considering that I pride myself in generally being one of the better runners when it comes to tris. Only one person in my AG was slower than me. Ouch.

Issues -
It was hot, but not unbearably so, was really hoping the bike path would be more shady. Not so much.

Legs were great, but my head was tired - a real mental game out there for me which was a new experience, hadn't encountered that. Maybe I needed more calories, I don't know. I drank Heed at every aid station and got down about 1.5 gels, but my stomach just didn't want anything solid.

Walking - I only walked the aid stations and then a bit at the end, but they were longish walks, just wanted to get the fluid in without spilling it all over myself. Last mile was brutal - walked up a big hill because my calves were seconds away from cramping up. Even had to stop with about 200m left to go, and someone pased me, not a darn thing I could do about it. I think it was fitness related rather than electrolyte though. I was maxxed out.

Train more! I followed the free 1/2 iron plan here on BT. Felt it was a little light in most disciplines and tried to supplement more biking and running. Also, I moved up my target HIM date by 2-4 weeks (had a hard time deciding which race would fit into my schedule) so I was likely a bit undertrained as well. Got in 3 or 4 50+ rides and 5 or 6 9-12 mile runs. It had been 11 weeks since my OLY, but there was a week when I was on vacation in mid July where I didn't do anything.

Got a bottle of water and my medal. Was there food here?!?! Because I never found any and thought that was REALLY REALLY weird. I didn't see others eating either.


First HIM, I'm pleased that I finished and I think if I have better/more training next time I could cut off a bunch of time. In other tris I really thought they were a lot of fun. This one was less so and makes me question whether distance tris are what I really want to be doing. However, I love the long distance training.


It was $100, so there wasn't a lot of expectations here. But the lack of post race food, or lack of having it obvious was pretty bad. Volunteers were great, the 16 aid stations on the run were a lifesaver. Hats off to the other athletes though. So encouraging, especially when all I could do was nod or whisper thanks.