Ok swim. I was hoping to be able to draft off people and settle into a good race pace. That never happened and I was just struggled my way to the first turn. I had to make an effort to breath out through my nose underwater. I rounded the first turn and thought the next turn was so far away. I rounded that turn, and spotted a raft. First, I was aiming to go to the outside or right of the raft, then I decided to go inside the raft. As I kept looking at it, I realized that it was moving, then I realized that it was Team Hoyt! I swam to the left of them, trying to stay out of their way. I stood up on solid ground and slowly walked across the timing mat.

Try to take it easier to start. I'm not good enough to draft off people, so I might as well focus on keeping a steady easy effort. Plus, I need to stop drifting off to the right.

Good transition. Hit my goal of under 3 minutes. I just wandered over to my stuff, ripped off my wetsuit through on my socks and shoes and headed out. I was so dazed from the swim I just kinda went through the motions, but it worked out well.

Maybe practice more. I think it went well, so not much else.

Started the bike still dazed from the swim. My stomach was really upset, so I didn't have the Gu that I planned on at the start of the bike. I also, didn't drink much either. First loop was just to pace myself and feel better from the swim. (Done in 17:42, including hill out of parking lot.) Next loop, I stayed out of my big ring and just easied up on downhills to save energy (15:46) Final loop, I pushed hard in the big ring on the flats and downhills, and spun up the hills. (Done in 16:13, including dismount and crossing timing mat.) I made an effort to pace myself and it worked great. My legs weren't fried and my heart rate wasn't to high either.

Work on dismount. Drink more.

Well, I had to stop the bike completely to get off. I have never tried a running dismount in my clipless shoes, and having my cleats skid across the pavement wouldn't be a good thing either. I had a goal of 2 minutes, but I stopped and peed quicky, so 2:22 is pretty good including a pit stop.

Not pee.

Good run. I popped out onto the street and posed for my girlfriend. The start is uphill and it was rough. I settle in after 1.5 miles and got into a nice groove. The big climb was around this time and I passed maybe 4-5 people here. I hit the water station at 2.5 and felt good after pouring some water over my head. I hit the hilly part at mile 3-4 and felt good and strong. Big plus for next week. At the last water station (4.2) I dicided I felt good and pushed up the last incline to the finish. Pasted some more people, (mostly women who started 4 minutes after me), and made it across the finish line.

Nothing, I had a good pace and kept cool. I think those water stations were perfectly placed.

Grabbed some free grub and walked around a bit. Drove home and walked around there afterwards. Legs felt tight but not too bad.


Training and swimming. My bike speed is a pleasant surprise, as well as how comfortable I felt during the run.


I did this race last year and I improved my time by 12 minutes, possible 13 if I didn't need to use the little boys room. However, I felt so much better this year than last year. Last year, I hoppled off the bike and was shot for the run. I had to walk a few times last year, where this year I was strong throughout. At the finish last year, my legs were just shot, this year, they were sore, but nothing too bad. I crossed the line with a big smile and I thanked every water station volunteer and made sure to put my cup in a garbage bag if they had one. Overall, this was a great race for me and a good convidence builder for next week. However, look at how fast everyone is who does this race!