I started right in the front, and took off like a bullet the first 100m to the first turn. I was flying! There were 2 guys in front of me that were pulling away, so not much drafting, but I was feeling pretty good in the wetsuit. That didn't last. I'm sure it was from the fast start, but the wheels/arms fell off about 500m in, and I started getting some contact. I think I ended getting passed by 5 or 6 others in my wave. Sucks...

Pace myself initially, and finish stronger. I haven't been in the pool much the last few weeks, and I know this attributed to the slowed pace. I was ready for 500m, not 750m

Struggled with the wetsuit. Oh well, it was only the second time I've worn one.

Practice more, I guess.

I was really happy with my ride. This was my first 20+mph split in a race, and had planned on hammering the entire course. I went a bit easy the first loop because of the wet conditions and not knowing the course, but unleashed on the second. I was really happy with this, and was happy to break 20mph on my last race of the year.

Keeping working towards 21mph....

racked my bike in the wrong slot, so had to take some extra time to move it.... Everything else was smooth.

pay more attention to my stuff...

Already knowing I rode probably the hardest I have ever in a race, I was expecting a tough run. I was hoping for a 7:10 average, but would have been surprised to break that. The course itself wasn't too challenging, which allowed me to push a bit harder. I'm not too sure how accurate the time is, as I was averaging a 7:15mi on the way out, but the way back was slightly downhill and I did feel like I was flying.

I had two guys in front of me the entire run I was trying to reel in, but just didn't have it in me. Sucks too because I would have been in 5th place overall and gotten a sweet new Timex watch! Oh well. Left it all out there.

Nothing. This is exactly 8 seconds off of my stand alone 5k PR, so yeah. pretty happy with the run.

brief stretching, grabbed a beer and a mountain dew, loaded up my car, and watched the remaining racers finish.


Definitely the wet conditions on the bike course, but the overcast day helped on the run. Also poor pacing during the swim start.


This was my first KLM sponsored race, and I had some pre-conceived worries about attending, but overall I think it was just fine for me. I'm not one for the awards ceremonies or post-race activities, so I was happy with that. The only thing I had an issue with was the finish. There was no tunnel/chute/ finish sign, so I had NO idea where it was. The RD was there directing, however. I will be thinking about the 3 midwest races next year, especially around the early bird signup time. I'm sure most people have there own opinions about the company/RD putting on the race and are probably validated from previous experiences, but I thought the race itself was just fine. Maybe I got lucky and picked the right one to do, though. Just my 2 cents....