My target time for the swim was 15' and when I ran out of the water and looked down, I was right at 15 even. Took another 55" to run up to the T area. As for the swim itself, it was okay. I started at the front, figuring others could pass me if they wanted/needed; but I started at the right, thinking the faster swimmers would start left because of the course design. About 200 meters in I got punched in the face but my goggles stayed on so no big deal. Navigating was alright since there was enough of a pack, but I still ducked too far inside near the 2nd buoy since I couldn't see the 3rd in the sun. Once I got there and turned right, I felt okay, and good on the way in. Drafted a little bit until I realized the guy was running out of steam so I passed him and kept pace with another guy and basically got out of the water at the same time as him.

Not really sure. I just need to keep working on my swimming, especially OWS. I hit my target time out of the water, but was really hoping I'd be faster than that.

Passed a few people on the run up to transition. Suit came off easily. Only hitch was getting on one of my shoes, and then was fine.

Nothing really. Good transition spot was nice.

Felt pretty good getting on the bike and started moving past people. Given that I hadn't run in the past few weeks, my plan for the bike was to keep my cadence between 90-100 at the risk of losing some speed. Even with that, I still had a bike split I'm happy with and came in under my target time. Went back and forth with a guy on the bike for a while and finally lost him. Then did the same with another guy before he lost me. Oh well. Coming in, I took my feet out of my shoes too early, thinking the transition entrance was a little earlier. Probably only cost a few seconds, but a stupid mistake nonetheless.

Know exactly where the bike entrance is.

Kind of tripped over someone's wetsuit that was laying out in the middle of the path, but otherwise didn't have any real issues and T2 was uneventful.

Nothing.

This run felt like crap for me and I could feel the effects of not having been able to run for the last few weeks. I was mainly concerned about my knee holding up. That was a non-issue. However, coming out of T2 I had a huge cramp in my left hamstring. It felt like someone punched me repeatedly and it held up for about the first half mile. I was slightly concerned I'd have to walk, but fortunately didn't have to. Felt a little better coming back in after the turn around and got passed by a guy whose stride was very minimally faster than mine. Ran with him for a while and then passed him, then beside him. When it came time to go in the last half mile, he went and I couldn't or else I would've blown up; even with only that little left. Finally saw the end and picked it up down through the final chute.

Focus on keeping a good cadence earlier on.

Saw Adam and his wife, Matt, Ben, Stacie, Julia, Mark, Brett....ate fruit, pancakes and had a beer before watching the awards.


Thinking about my cramping on the run later, I realized that I hardly drank anything on the bike. Figures. I watched my nutrition all week more closely than I have in a long time. For the bike I figured I wouldn't take drink a ton so I put in more calories to hopefully offset the loss. Unfortunately, the 3 drinks I took didn't quite cut it. I'm a dumbass, but lesson learned.


This was a great race to be part of. Very well organized, started on time, lots of volunteers, good post-race activities, and a good race field as well. I can only expect that Boulder Peak and the 5430 Long Course will be the same.