Very tough swim. Last wave to enter and I should have paid more attention. Got in the water and made my way out with the group. Started warming up and looked up to see the pack standing about 50 yards ahead of me and the start going off. quickly got going and made up the ground as quickly as possible. Conditions at the start weren't bad and felt pretty good on the way out. Bit of navigational issues as I went out farther, the waves got larger making the markers harder to spot. Swimmers were everywhere so no easy way to spot the best line. Made it to the half way point and the water was really rough. The course turned into the wind and headed back to shore. It was a real battle all the way to shore. Focused on long strokes and just making it through. Very hard time breathing as I seemed to get crashed by a wave on every breath. Pushed strong to the end and was mixed into the pack of previous three waves.

PAY ATTENTION AT THE START! I wanted to be off the front, and ended up bringing up the rear. In the end I didn't let it get to me - just worked through the swim, determined to finish.

OK transition - suit off, glasses / helmet / gloves on. Socks then shoes, grabbed my bike and headed off.

Practice more

Very tough course. While it was very flat, the wind was crazy. Head winds and cross winds were found over much of the course, with maybe 8 - 10 miles where it was a tail wind. Settled in and worked to keep steady. HR was high out of the swim, hanging just under LT. Found myself going pretty good clip and worked to settle down and just ride. Goal was to hold ground and not be passed. Slowly gained ground, played pass each other with one rider, who I finally left for good about the halfway point. At mile 30, two guys came past and I couldn't hold the pace. Followed my nutrition plan, downing a gel every 20-30 minutes and sipping water every 10-15. Also used up my double dose of Accelerade bottle. Wanted to pick up the pace for final 10 miles, but was really only able to maintain. HR average was around 158 or so. Probably endurance related, this distance was much farther than most of my training. From an LT perspective, was 10 beats off, but legs were feeling quite tired. Rear end was very sore by the end of the race.

Good training race for HIM distance. Need to work on endurance and experiment with how hard I can push my body. Finished strong and definately tired, but could probably squeak a bit more out with the right focus.

Stretched out legs and back and walked around.

The OLY plan definately helped get me into shape for the race, with the swim distance being no problem. Could definately have used more long rides on the bike - but had a great time.


Great race! Had a really good time. The Aqua Bike was a new category added this year and gave me an opportunity to experience two thirds of the HIM race, since the main race had sold out months earlier. Would recommend it to anyone thinking about trying. Great experience!