This was a beach start. It was basically a 100 meter run to the first buoy and then a right turn for the rectangular course. After running to the buoy you can dive in and swim easily. I was near the front of the group and stayed to the left right on the buoy line. The buoy line was pretty empty and I had clear water the whole way. I kept the effort pretty steady all the way around and felt pretty good. When I was sighting I did not see many folks in front of me so knew I was near the front.

The course did seem to be a bit long with the fastest time at 24:30 which is pretty slow. I am usually a 25:00 Olympic swimmer. As I exited the water I ran up the beach to the concrete landing and stripped the wetsuit prior to the long to the Transition area.

This was a good swim and happy with the steady effort here.

It took about 15 seconds longer than it should have to get my helmet buckled..always seem to have trouble with that. Otherwise, I was right at the bike out and was out fairly quick.

Long transition time due to the long run from beach and really long TA.

Get my helmet buckled faster.

The best bike split of the day. I was a little worried about how I would feel coming off the HIM 2 weeks ago but I felt great. My effort was good and pace was there.

The out portion was in to a 10-15mph headwind and it is a gradual climb. I was staying tucked and still flying pretty good. As we reached the turnaround there was nobody in site yet on the way back. Finally, the 1st place female (started 10 minutes ahead) came by and then the 1st place male. I had moved my way up and was 2nd at the turnaround and he was up the road aways. He put 4 minutes into me on the swim and I only got 2 minutes back on the bike.

The section back to town was FAST. We had a tailwind the whole way back and the gradual descent back to town. I was absolutely hauling. Once we got near TA I was ready to chase down the top spot.

Great bike course - one of my favorites.

Nothing - good effort.

Good fast transition. I got my shoes on and took off with my race belt and visor in hand.

Nothing.

I came out of transition feeling very good and settled into a good quick pace. The sprint athletes were on the course and was nice to have some company. As I came up on the second aid station (past the sprint turnaround) the volunteers had to run back to it because they were not ready. This made me think that I may have passed the 1st place guy in transition. That was not the case but I hoped so. I took one cup of water at the first aid station and that was it. The weather was nice and cool and I got all the fuel I needed on the bike.

Finally near the turnaround I saw the 1st place male coming back. He still had a substantial lead on me and was likely not going to catch him. I kept the pedal down though. The 3rd place guy was well behind me and knew he was not going to catch me.

I cruised into the finish line keeping a fairly consistent pace throughout the run and was ecstatic with the 2nd place OA to end the season.

Nothing. The 1st place guy ended up winning by 2 minutes. I put another 15 seconds into him on the run but too much to make up from the swim.

Just chatted with the 1st place guy and got some drinks. I found Rachael and Keelyn and they congratulated me. I really like having them on the course cheering me on. Keelyn yells 'dada' when she sees me come by.


time in the pool - the bike and run were about what I would have expected..maybe a little faster run.


I love the Tawas area and the venue for this race. The swim and bike course are one of the best in MI. We will keep coming back.

The OA award was sunglasses or gear of my choosing from Rudy Project woot!