The problem with the first run in this type of race is that you are thinking about the transition to the bike and the stress of that effects your run. I think I did well with the run and probably would do the same way again.

I definately took too much time in the transition area. Took me too long to get oriented and get my helmet and gloves on. Struggled with the shoes and just generally spent too much time.

Had to run the bike up a short but very steep grass hill which was killer after the run. Then I had trouble clipping in to my pedals when I mounted the bike. Once I got clipped in though, I was good to go.



The only thing I would do differenty with the cycling part of the race is to be faster in the transition and practice more with clipping into the pedals. I feel I rode my bike really well. I blew by a lot of people in the first few miles and rode the last part of the route pretty much alone. I felt like I was really zen with the bike in terms of gearing and sticking with a comfortable cadence so I could power through the entire ride.

Really enjoyed the ride. Felt strong and in control for the entire ride. Passed everyone in my immediate way and made up a lot of time.


Nothing really. Will work on my overall speed and cadence for a faster time next year. Will hope to get more proficient at clipping in at the start.

Running down the short grassy hill after dismount was quite a trip. Trying not to fall over the bike was my main priority. I feel I handled it pretty well for the first time. It was hard to run in the cleated shoes. Would consider taking them off for the run down the hill, but it was quite wet and muddy so not sure how that would go.

I feel I should have handled this transition much faster. Took me too long to get my cycling shoes off. Kept fiddling with the realease where it should have just been really easy. Will practice that for next time.

Not sure. Probably did okay considering my first time ever dealing with transition. I will work on getting shoes and helmet and gloves off more quickly and figuring out if shoes should come off more quickly.

The second run was really tough due to the development of a really painful cramp in my right side. It took me the first lap to feel comfortable with running again after the ride and then the cramp develped and forced me to really slow down and even walk a bit. This cost me a 3rd place age group placing for sure.

Not sure what to do to avoid this situation. I got a very similiar cramp like this in the Hartford Half Mari last year in mile 10 which caused me a great deal of pain and cost me a lot of time in the race. I am wondering if it is the gels that cause this and not getting enough water with them.

My warm-down consisted of trying to get my breathing under control and dealing with the pain in my abdomen. I am still feeling some tenderness in that area today.

Once I got myself together, I did a little bit of stretching, got a bagle, guzzled down a gatorade and some water and had fun at the post race party.


The cramp in my abdomen in the second 5k definately hindered my performance at that point.


Hartford Marathon always puts on a good race. I will definately do this race again next year and hope to place in my age group.