Swim started off pretty good without much contact- started wide this year. Sighting was not very good; had a hard time seeing buoys and zigzagged a bit. Incorporated some bilateral breathing, and that seemed to help the neck issues from the last race.

Overall the swim time seemed longer than it should have been with my effort; Garmin measured 1.35 mi.

Transition area was extremely muddy, so this didn't help. Came into T1 unusually winded so had to settle down for a minute. Had a hard time getting clipped in with the mud.

The bike went really well this year. There was one short "mechanical" stop- thought I had a flat, but I had just run over a bike helmet sticker that got stuck on my front wheel. I worked to avoid drafting, but didn't find it too difficult to do.

Otherwise, I was able to keep up a pretty consistent power/pace throughout the ride. My lack of multiple longer rides showed up in the last 10-15 miles, as I had to stand on the pedals and stretch multiple times. But overall, I'm very pleased with the performance on the ride.

Ave Power = 161
NP = 167

Not great, but not horrific

The run went about as well as it could have given my effort on the bike. Probably started out too fast (7:15 first 2 miles), but was able to back off. Forced myself to take 2 gels even though I really didn't feel like it, and I think that was a good call.

Had to fight off cramps over the last mile or so- had to walk for just a few seconds at one point when I seized up.

Was very happy to be done.

Rode the bike ~3mi back to the middle school.


Bike fitness and not enough long bike mileage.


This race creates a long day, as I have to be up about 3:45 to get there in time, but the race organizers make it worth it. Overall it is a great, well-run race, and it's especially good when it's not so blazing hot.

Would definitely recommend.