Leaving the water was a bit of a pysch out. My first lap was measured and steady and while I'm not fast, I was pleased by my being comfortable in the water and just moving forward. My second lap was more problematic. I was struggling with navigation heading out to the first turn again. So subsequently, I wasn't trusting my directions and kept looking up only to find that I was swimming straight. It was frustrating because it makes you feel like they are moving the beach back on you. My open water swim anxiety was pretty much absent. I had confidence in completion.

Need to focus on swimming more. Based on my placement, it is completely out of balance with the other events. Maybe some swim specific coaching is required here.

There was a HUGE run from the beach where T1 timing started to the actual area. It was through sand then steep uphill. Because I was in the last wave and swam slower than a brick by the time I entered T1 there was nothing left but some swim caps and a tricycle.

I guess I could've run through the sand but I wanted to get my HR in control and didn't start running until I got on solid ground. I was a little more measured than in an oly or sprint but I wanted to make sure I was setup for the rest of a long race.

Tough course that I rode with my coach about a month ago. That was a good move since it gave me some familiarity with upcoming terrain, wind, etc. I wasn't unhappy with my time. I do want to improve to 18+. Knowing that I was going to have a weaker run today I wanted to manage my energy properly. I would've liked to see some additional SAG locations. As the course progressed my liquids were getting low and while I finished without being dry, a little hotter and it would've been tough.

Knowing how this distance feels under race conditions, I can probably go faster and not hurt myself later. I've been doing a lot of strength training on spin bike and also getting in longer distance outdoor rides on a weekly basis.

This is my second race with getting out of my shoes prior to dismount. I like it. It would've been nice if the two racers in front of me had their coffee break on the other side of the timing mat though. After skirting them and getting into T2 I had a bit of a downhill run to the back of the area. I t'd quickly and the run exit was right at my end.

Not much. There was one bike next to me that I had to move a bit since they racked a little sloppy. But that really had no effect on my outcome.

I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis about five weeks ago so my training took a real hit in terms of running. I was concerned about this and not to be disappointed, when I started running out of transition my heel really was sore. My coach and I set up a strategy of run/walking with a 2 min. walk start followed by 5 min. intervals and 2 min. walks. It worked really well as I started passing people back around the halfway point. This was a slow half for me but the strategy helped keep my HR in check and my leg from acting up too badly. Around 11 mi mark my left calf started to cramp. With 2 miles to go I knew I would finish but I needed to hit my goal of 6.5 hours or better. I started drinking the Cytomax, probably more psychological than anything but I wanted to run down to the finish line. I did make it albeit gimping along. Time to heal!

Some of my friends have encouraged me to take advantage of the Cytomax. I normally run using water and e-gels only. Might not have enough potassium for my body. So next time, more of this. With the injury though, I was not unhappy with my performance. Trying to hit it hard could've cost me big at the other end. The strategy was right for this race.

Energice, water, diet coke, BEER. Sitting, talking, eating the dryest chicken breast sandwich ever cooked, more BEER. Shower, clean clothes, beer.


Definitely the foot injury (plantar). Swimming for sure. Also, inexperience at this distance probably held me back some. Next one will be faster.


I think this is a tough course. But the challenge is worth it. I would do this event again. Like to see at least one more stop on the bike course. Otherwise, all was good here. Also, was nice to have my brother and another training partner come down to cheer. Knowing you had a little fan base goes a long way.