really crowded, especially at the first buoy. lot of bumping, slapping, and kicking. got hit on the back of the head by a flailing swimmer and saw stars for a bit, but with 1000+ people trying to run me over, it was difficult to find the space to tread and catch my breath. lots of traffic especially in the first loop. why do people have to breast stroke to sight? guess that's all part of doing a race.

could have started a little wider even though i was already pretty far to the right.

grass everywhere. better than sand i guess, but not much.

go faster.

held 80-85% effort the entire time. this turned out to be a problem as i never really perspired as there were no hills to get the HR up. thus, i only drank and fueled (i.e. salt) as i would on a normal ride and didn't account for the heat because i didn't feel it.

drink more and take in more salt.

nothing important to note

HOT HOT HOT. ran well after T2 (~8:25 pace) but then cramped up around mile 5-6. both legs locked from hips down and litterally fell over. walked the next 5-7 miles, then did the IM shuffle from aid station to aid station to get to the finish. advil in the special needs bag saved the day.
stomach felt like the cytomax from the bike dried up and left a big chuck of something indigestable in my gut. couldn't eat or drink for the run.

gotta figure out nutrition for hot days. ran more than an hour slower than what i should have been reasonably able to expect.

I.V.


insufficient nutrition/hydration