I haven't swam a single yard since Ironman Arizona back in November, so I wasn't expecting much. I figured my technique and overall fitness would get me through in a respectable time. I'm pretty happy with it actually...it was a bit of work, but that's okay.

Fairly happy with this transition. I was a bit winded from the swim, and it was a decent ways from the water to the racks, but my suit came off with no problems. Left shoes clipped in, put on the new aero helmet, sunglasses, and I was off.

After doing two Ironman distance races last year and no short course stuff, I was curious to see how my fitness would translate over. I was using my DIY disc cover, and had just bought a Lazer Tardiz aero helmet the day before the race.
I did kind of a flying mount, and got me feet in pretty quickly. Got up to speed after the initial little hill, but after that it was just a matter of going for it. There seemed to be a little bit of a headwind, or maybe a slight rise to some legs of the rectangular loop we were riding, but I maintained right in the 21-24 mph range. Never felt tired or uncomfortable, but felt pretty fast at the same time. Only had 3 guys pass me the entire race, so that has to count for something. Rode back into the park, got my feet out of my shoes and did a clean dismount.

Nothing

Nothing unusual to report.

I'm very happy with this run. In the past, I've had issues with cramping from going out too fast/hard. This time I reigned it in right out of transition and tried to settle in to a comfortable pace. I got passed by a few people but didn't worry about it. It started getting a bit hot out there, so I grabbed some water from the first aid station and splashed it over my head. As I started to finish the first loop, I started to finish the first loop I started to pick up the pace and felt good. Checked my watch at the 3 mile mark and saw 22:30. The second loop I tried to stay nice and even with my pace, waiting till a mile to go to pick it up a bit. I show a 21:30 for the second half, which works for me.

Rinsed off with some water, and started packing my stuff up for the drive home.


Neglecting my swim training


This was a fantastic, low key event. Over 700 participants, but it never felt crowded. Next year I think I'll bring the family and tent trailer and camp at the lake. I'll be back next year either way.