I haven't swam since May so wasn't expecting much. I just wanted to finish with enough energy to have a good bike. Started off pretty slow but found someone to draft off of until the half-way point. At that time, the wave behind us caught up and I lost him in the mix. I felt good about the swim until I saw how long it took me. I was expecting about 40min or maybe just over but nearly 47 was shocking.

Obviously I need to swim more.

I didn't really care about anything but the bike today so took my time in transitions. Even put on socks and gloves!
At least I had the shoes on the bike and jumped on while running.

First race on the tri bike.
I rode the route the day before so I knew what to expect and which way the wind would blow. I get excited every time I get on the bike but I was still nervous I wouldn't be able to do as good as I wanted. I don't feel as comfortable or efficient and I was worried the aerobars would come loose again.
I was going about 20-21 for the first mile but knew it was with a headwind. Turned the corner and pushed hard for this section. It was a smooth freshly paved road with a great tailwind and a slight downhill. Was going 24 for most of the way. Turned onto 210 and the pavement changed. A little rougher, a little windier, and a little hillier. 21-22mph. Two people passed me on this section (I passed them back on the next though). I was starting to get tired coming back on 41 but just kept pushing through. Left turn to finish the loop around the lake and even though I didn't know what I was averaging, I knew I would be happy with it. Kept the pace up and pushed even harder on the last stretch to the finish. I must have passed 15people on that last mile. I know I started later with the terrible swim but it still felt great to not have a single person pass me.

Ate 400cal EFS and drank about 35oz water.

Still want a bike fit and figure out why my shoe rubs the crank so much. Get more comfortable switching gears.

No rushing here either. Switched shoes, put on my hat/glasses and grabbed my gu's.

I haven't ran since May either but hoped I could make a decent 10k. Told my parents to expect 75-90min time. Went out slow and walked a little at the beginning. My heart rate was still high (guessing) from the bike. Started back to running and just wanted to see how far I could go before walking again. Grabbed a towel and water at the first aid station. Kept going. Made it to the next one; still feeling good. Towel, water, run some more. The heat so getting pretty intense from the fresh pavement I was loving just an hour before. Keep going, I think I can make it to the turn around. After that, I started seeing familiar faces. Melissa, George, Bonnie, Tracey, and Steve. I only did 2 races before this and I miss that.
I'm still feeling good and there's something about heading towards the finish line that always helps me go faster. Another towel, another mile down. Turn the corner and it's even hotter. How does that happen? Finally on the last mile and I really push hard. Still have no idea what my pace was and as good as I thought I was doing, I couldn't have imagined I was doing sub 10min/miles. Great downhill finish with some tri-warriors waiting at the finish line. Such a great race; so much fun!

My goal was to avg 22mph on the bike and I averaged 22.3. I didn't know what to expect on the swim/run but I was pleasantly surprised at how well I did on the run.
My other goal was to decide if I want to continue triathlons or focus on the bike. I love the bike and will always enjoy it more than the others but I'm leaning towards continuing with tri's next year. It does mean I will have to convince Shelly to let me register for Ironman Texas again. It will put more stress on her and our relationship but I know I can't do it without her support and encouragement.
Then, I'll have to convince some locals to do it with me because doing it alone sucks!


I really enjoy White Lake races and any races put on by Setup Events. Always top notch.