Started out better, sort of did glide drills stretching out extra. Still couldn't hang with the group and the next wave had me by the turn. I looked up wondering why they hadn't caught me yet and discovered I was too far right and passing the buoy too far with them happily hugging the buoy.

Managed to draft off several of these guys and a couple ladies later. Never felt really bad like last time. Still wondering if I'll ever get faster.

I swam to my current ability although I could site better. I should really warm up.

Took mt sweet time. Plus I had setup transition in and under a trash bag so I could at least start with dry socks and shoes if it rained.

Hurry.

Legs felt dead, especially early. Took 2nd gel 10 minutes in. I was joking about biking to Bojangles but I actually was hungry at this point. Suffered through the climbs trying not to over do it and burn out. Didn't really get a solid pace until the 2nd half. Had a few great downhills I road over 30mph, but I still lose my momentum going up the next one.

Took my last gel with about 3 miles left on the bike and ran out of G2 in my aero bottle. I went with just that because it wasn't that hot so I didn't want extra weight of another water bottle. I could have used 4 more ounces, but it was fine.

Tape both gels to my top tube. Save a little drink for the end.

One of my slowest T2s ever. I didn't coast in on one foot like normal. Some metal was tapping as I ran in and I was looking for a broken spoke (never found anything). The guy next to me switched to my side of the rack leaving me less space to rack. I couldn't get my helmet unfastened. I wore trail shoes so I had to tie them. Stopped for a swig of my extra water and had trouble finding my race belt.

Almost everything, but I would still wear the trail shoes for this race and I needed the water to wash down the gel.

Christine reminded me on the way out that I like this kind of run and I do. I enjoyed the run and felt I had some advantage with the shoes in the muddy conditions. I haven't trail run in over a year so lost that advantage.

I ran with 5oz G2, got water splashes at each stop. I grabbed a spare gel at the last 2nd in T2, but it was just in the way and I knew I wouldn't take it. I had to stuff my sunglasses in my other pocket.

My only problem with the run is I could never get control of my breathing. Maybe it was just too hilly for me. I again kicked to early, knowing I was probably too early. I gave it all I had.

Leave the gel. Maybe start slower to start with my breathing under control.

Training. Maybe the blood donation is still an issue. Hills.