The run was comfortable for me, though I went out a little too fast in the pack. I was surprised that I ran it slower than I've been running in training and expected to run closer to 27 minutes. In the long run, it was probably not a bad thing that I started a little slower.

Pace myself according to what I know I can do from the start so I can run a more consistent pace throughout.

I was shocked to see how slow this time was. Could be that I was STARVING when I came in from the run and ate 1/2 a Clif Bar? I was aware that I wasn't hurrying, as I have in other races. Maybe that's not a bad thing when you know you aren't shaving seconds off your time to finish in a high spot! I was also as far as you could be from the exit of the T-area. Too far to run in bike shoes. Should have reversed my T-area.

Speed up! Eat on the run rather than put gloves on while trying to move bike the entire length of the T-area. Do a better job selecting T-area from the start.

I felt great on the bike and was really pleased to see that my bike split was in the top half, even though my overall finish was just below that. The no-passing zone on this course was really frustrating. It was probably three miles total (out and back) and I ended up following someone on the way back who was going 12mph! I followed the rules (like Autumn) but saw others who didn't. There was a short stretch in the trail that was a legitimate no-pass zone, but I think it could have been a shorter distance overall. On the way out, one of the street crossings had traffic (and 55mph) and I actually had to stop and unclip before I could continue. Not good planning. I was surprised how much traffic was on the course, especially when there were hills with no shoulders to speak of. As for the hills, most of them I pedaled right through without a lot of difficulty, but there were a couple that slowed me down. I started to cramp in my calves coming back in, but managed to work through it. I was pretty excited on one downhill when I hit 32 mph!

Ride more hills. Pass even more aggressively before the no-pass zone. More long rides.

I am clearly not the queen of transitions, but this one was better than my first! We entered the T-area at the same spot we exited, so I again had a long run (walk!) with my bike.

Practice transitions!

This was SLOW. I have had jelly legs coming off my bike in other races, but this time, I could hardly feel my legs moving. I moved them, though, and somehow managed to pass some people! I did walk for about 60 steps at a water stop. It's clear where I need to improve!

Hmmm...run faster?

Had a post-race breakfast with Autumn and her family. Met a couple of other women from my athletic club. Stayed around for the awards - there was some nice stuff! Autumn already mentioned the grab-bag approach for some of the give-aways. It was quite something to see women diving over each other to get to the box of goodies! I came home with three cool 'technical fabric' shirts. After every participant had one, they gave them away to anyone who wanted one. My daughter now has an official "Iron Girl" nightgown:).


I have made a lot of progress this season and have improved in each of my three races. More time in training will continue to pay off. I beat my goal, which was to break 2 hours. I'm pretty pleased and know where I need to work :).


I had a great time at this race and hope it comes back to the Twin Cities next year - without the no-passing zone!