I started at the front this time, not wanting to get stuck in the middle and pushed around like Niantic Bay. This obviously was a much smaller event, so I really wanted to take off and get ahead of the MOP. That actually worked well, because I only got pushed once. Again, smaller race which helps. I was surprised to see I was actually 8th out of the water. My swim time is not all that fast, but I was still happy to be ahead a bit.

Just more swim time. I have not spent nearly enough on it. Winter plans include that.

From the beach to transition was a little lengthy. Dropped googles as I was running towards it, but never stopped. Someone chased me down with them and yelled for me, so I just put my hand back like I was on a Track Relay team. Quite funny. Wetsuit got stuck on timing chip around ankle, but I wouldn't say that was more than 10 seconds lost.

Nothing.

Exiting tranistion, one guy was having trouble clipping in as we hit the pavement, kind of swerving a bit. I hopped on my bike not seeing him, and we almost hit each other. Sprinted to the top of the hill, then settled in trying to get the HR down a bit. Can't say it ever really happend. Bike course was kind of uneventful. Passed 2 bike, and never got passed. Never saw anyone behind me. So, nothing really to share there. I felt good the entire bike, thought I pushed hard.

I really want to get over that 20+ mph range. I know that will come with more time, and more hard work. Still in my first year, so the gains I have made I am happy with.

This was my best bike to run transition yet. Although, I only have a few under my belt. The bike course ends with a small down hill, so at the top, I got me feet out, and set them on top of my shoes. Rode the hill down at good speed like that. I was able to left one leg over the top tub and ride with one leg on as I was entering the dismount area, and had a great running dismount. Big smile on my face for that!! Ran into Transition, racked the bike, race belt on, shoes on, and gone.

Nothing. It went bette than expected

I ran out of transition at a good clip, and never felt any cramps etc. I knew at this point I had only seen 8 bikes on the way back from the bike turnaround. But 5 of them were well ahead. A couple must have left transition before me since I passed two. Seeing this, I knew I had a chance to pick off a couple on the run. After I entered the gravel section, then exited, I saw the first guy about 200 yards ahead. Time to get him. Passed him in the middle of the first hill. By the time I got to the second hill, the next guy had alrady reached the top. I knew it was going to be difficult to reach him. I see ahead, he's now at the turn around, and i am a good 1/4 mile behind him. Damn. Time to pick it up a bit. As he reaches the first hill on the way back, I knew at that point I still felt good, and could beat him to the top of the hill. If I was able to do that, I knew I had him. Mission accomplished. As I enter the final turn, with about 3/4 of a mile to go, I see the same old folks still sitting in their chairs in their driveway, rooting people on. The old man says "you better get moving son, that guy behind you is about to catch you." I turn around, and there is a guy chasing me down, maybe 50-75 yards back. Holy sh*t. I am not sure where I found the energy, but I turned on the nitrous, and sprinted the last 1/2-3/4 mile at about 5:15 pace. he finished 5 seconds behind me. THANK YOU old man. I would have never saw that guy coming.

More intervals. Another goal is to get sub 20 for 5k next season.

Grabbed a gatorade, banana, and then just about got tackled by my kids. That was the best part of the day. It's always great to have family there. They love to go and cheer me on. But after that, I told the lady at the snack tent, I am taking 2 White Choc Macadamia Nut cookies, I earned them. She got a good laugh!


Swim can always be better and bike can always be faster. I think another winter of hard training will get me closer to where I want to be.


Looking at where I started in February, to where I am now, I am pretty pleased. I feel great, am prob in the best shape I have ever been in, and absolutely never thought I'd fall in love with Triathlon. Looking at my races, I am finding I am tracking people down on the run, even at 7 min paces. I feel good and bad about that. It means my bike can be faster and my swim can be faster. But I feel good about that because it says alot about my overall fitness. I am not dragging on the run. So here's to maybe one more Tri this year, a half marathon, and a duathlon. then some serious pool time, and winter training for Rev 3 Quassy Half Iron Man next July. of course, an Olympic before I try to tackle those hills out there.