Started wide left since I expected to be among the slower swimmers and I'm not excited about being in the "egg beater" zone. Went out at what I thought was an easy pace, but my breathing was off from the start. Had difficulty swimming a straight line. Ran up on swimmers ahead several times and switched to a breast stroke to keep from running over them. Ended up somewhere around middle of the pack for my wave.

Practice more distance. Practice more often. Practice more open water sighting.
Be more confident in my swimming and pass those guys when I catch them instead of hanging back.

Run up from water is across grass then into the parking lot where transition is set up. Grass had some muddy places but for the most part footing was solid. Jogged up to transition. Saw my wife heading out with her bike and exchanged "good job!" comments. Everything went well. Would be nicer if the parking lot were swept a bit beforehand, but the small sand/gravel didn't bother me.

Probably nothing. Maybe run up the hill a little faster.

This was where I expected to catch up to my wife and I took the opportunity to practice my "race pace". I averaged 20.0 mph to the halfway turnaround point and I caught her shortly after that. From there I matched her pace to the end of the course.

Nothing. I did everything according to plan. Next year though... I'm going to shoot for that 20 mph average for the full course.

Nice smooth transition into run gear and I was ready to go.
Waited a moment for my wife to change her socks since they were pretty wet.

Nothing. I did everything according to plan. Next year though... I'll be running my pace and I'll be in and out of there nice and smooth.

Ran at my wife's pace. Walked on most of the uphills. Crossed the line together exactly as planned.

Nothing. I did everything according to plan. Next year though... I'll be trying for 8 minute mile pace.

Hugged my wife and congratulated her. Walked through the tent areas to get water and fruit. More walking while eating fruit. Back to the finish line to cheer others on. Back for more fruit.


The swim felt horrible. Never got into a rythm.



This race was the culmination of almost 9 months of training together with my wife. This year we have become runners together and then swimmers together. We chose this race because of the mixed start. She started in the wave 5 minutes ahead of me and once I caught up to her we finished at her pace; crossing the finish line together. It has been a fantastic adventure and TBF put on a great event. I hope to do this race again next year.