Random thoughts: Lots of people- they had over 250 there for the 10k, 5k, and mile swim. ~190 for the 5k. This year was a bit different than the last two in that we had steady winds all weekend. In the middle of the bay this induced some big rollers - 1.5ft. or so (not so big until you have to swim through them). My left eye half filled up within 100 yds of the start (doh!). There was a group up front that I thought was four or five folks that I let go. Turned out it was 12 and I never caught any of them. Then again I didn't get passed, either. Lost my cap halfway through. First time I replaced it, second time I let it go. Only ever saw someone other than at the start when I lost my cap. Other than that I was all alone the whole way through. Felt good the whole way through - endurance was good and I really kicked it home hard. Toward the end my shoulders and ribs started hurting - shoulders from lifting my head to sight and ribs from reaching out to stroke. No cramping as in the last two years (woohoo!). As with last year I was really hoping for a faster time, but we climbed a lot of small hills this year.

Finished the 5k (actually 3.3 miles) in 1:26:xx. This was a couple minutes faster than last year. 10th fastest male and 1st in my AG by 7 minutes. Would have been 3rd master if they had that. I was in the desert of finishers - turns out I finished 4 minutes behind the 9th male and a couple minutes in front of the next guy. So pretty much never would have caught the guys in front of me, I think. Still, I was hoping for a bit better and am still searching for what I'd call a superlative performance at this venue.

Try to hold onto the group that finished 4 minutes ahead. I let them go and should not have.

Genetics, old age, etc., etc.


The race itself was great. I feel comfortable in that if I run into problems I can get help. The race organization this year was pretty off, though. Very late results, an awards table that opened 90 minutes late, not much communication during this. Not the ideal race day execution by the RD.