Had some stomach issues before the race began, but they didn't bother me during the race. I went out too fast, trying to keep up with the pack, when I know better.... It's hard not to get caught up in the moment when everyone else is faster and I want to keep up with them when it's just not possible for me (right now!)

Remember to run my own race

Transition was not an issue - I biked using the same shoes I ran in, and only had to put on gloves & helmet & grab my bike.

Nothing

Was never comfortable on the bike. I just couldn't relax - Don't know why, I feel like it was just a constant major effort. I did some staining and painting earlier this week, which effected my hands, and I had to repeatedly flex them to keep them from tingling too much. I also had saddle "issues" - guess I need to do some more adjustment on my saddle, because it got very uncomfortable early in the ride and I had to keep shifting positions, which resulted in a saddle sore. I had a few sips of water and Powerade, but not nearly as much as I should have. I had a gel about 10 miles into the bike, but didn't follow it up with enough water. I do feel like I handled the hills well (there weren't many!) and I did manage to pass a couple of people along the way.

Train more on the bike. I keep putting it off, and it just makes for miserable racing. I've got to commit to more hours on the bike!!

T2 not a big deal - Took off helmet & gloves and headed out for the last run.

Nothing

More struggles on the run..... When I left T2, my right calf started cramping and it took me a mile alternating running and walking to get it worked out. I was pretty much spent by this time, and went into autopilot, counting steps and concentrating on getting my legs to keep moving. I did maintain a jog except through the drink stations, but it was a really slow jog. As usual, I got my final rush of adrenaline at the finish and got over the line.

Lack of hydration was probably my main problem during the second run. That and the fact that I pushed too hard the first two legs and just didn't have much left for the final run.

Walked around, stretched, had a FREE massage


My old and out of condition body!


With all of my problems through this race, it was still a good race. I made it through the finish line and pushed myself as hard as I could. I didn't spend the morning sitting on the couch watching television and continued on my journey to be healthy and fit. That's what it is all about for me, and I need to remember that when I get frustrated for not performing better. I've made huge improvement from last year, and I just can't ask for more. I'm giving as much as I can and pushing myself as hard as I can. It frustrates me that I train as much as I do and I'm not faster, but I'm making steps in the right direction, and I've got to keep plugging along and not expecting everything at once. I spent 40 years abusing my body, and now expect it to do things its never done before. It's going to take some time.