The race started in the marina using a wade/wave start format so the start was not too crowded. I was able to find some open water and pulled away. Towards the 1/3rd mark I started running into swimmers from earlier waves. You could not see more than 6 inches in the water, so I unfortuantly plowed right into a few folks - sorry about that. During the latter half of the swim I suffered from some seriously poor navigation and found my self having to make repeated adjustments to my swim. Suspect I lost 30 sec with my poor navigation. My actual swim time was 26:30. The official swim time includes the run up to T1.

Better navigation.

I had a good run up to T1. I put on my bike shoes which cost me about 20 to 30 sec and then ran out.

Not much.

The course was flat but there was a hugh, sustained 20 to 30 mph wind coming from the north. I was riding 28 to 32 KPH into the wind and then 40 to 45 KPH with the wind. Riding into the wind was physically challenging, but interestingly riding with the wind was mentally challenging. I would find myself riding 40+KPH, but my HR was dropping, so despite the speed, it was clear that I need to press the pace.

Push a little harder. Should be able to drop a few more minutes with some more bike training.

Got out of my shoes before I hit T2. Racked my bike, put on the shoes and socks and headed out. I generally had a competitive T2.

Not much.

I was very pleased with my run. In the weeks running upto the race I managed to pull my right hamstring. This was a major concern, so on the bike I used more quads than normal. When I started running the quads were hurtin'. The run was a process of pushing the pace, but not to the point of cramping up. I started running a 7:15 pace and slowed down a bit in the second half to a 7:30 pace. Interestingly, the run was my weakest leg (as compared to my AG).

Based on the race results it looks like I came into T2 in second place. During the run I was passed by two strong runners.

On race day, I delivered the best run possible. Looking forward I do see room for improvement and I should be able to run a sub 1:35 HIM for the same course and same conditions.

I was very pleased with my time and place . . . this being said I think there was another race in Hawaii that might (yes) have weakened the field. That being said, it is what it is and I am pleased with my 4th at the US Nationals :)


Not much. I executed as planned. I adapted well to developments through out the race, delivered a PB and qualified for the US National Team. Next stop, Spain 2012!


This was a well organized race.