This actually went a little better than expected, and my time was faster than the other two times I've done this race. Without doing any real speed work (other than strides at the end of a run) since the spring, I was fine with my placing after the 1st run. I knew that the two guys I was gunning for (Jesse Kropelnicki and Barry Phelps, who was AG Nat'l Champ in 45-49 in 2012 at Burlington, VT) were a good minute ahead of me, so my work was cut out on the short bike.

I'm always amazed at how fast most people go out in most running races, almost always much faster than their ability level. I settled into a pace of around 5:40 for the first downhill mile, yet I was around 25th place after half a mile. By the 1 mile mark I had passed about half of those folks, and I passed another 5-6 over the last portion of the run. Pacing people - learn how to do it!

Took a few moments extra strapping on my helmet.

It took me a minute to get up to speed and into my shoes, costing me a little time. With a steady light rain falling, I knew I'd have to be careful on the turns.

The first mile or two had a few turns, and I wasn't able to really settle into my goal of around 320 watts until around mile 2. At that point I'd passed two guys, but knew there were still 5-6 people in front of me.

Over the remainder of the bike I was able to pass all but the two guys I was aiming for, Jesse Kropelnicki and Barry Phelps. Jesse ended up biking 5 seconds slower than me and Barry was about 35 seconds slower. Knowing they were both better runners, I knew I'd by trying to hold 3rd on the run.

I ended up at 314 watts avg for the bike.

Pretty quick here. I could see Jesse and Barry heading out on the run as I got to T2.

I just wasn't able to settle into the same pace as on the 1st run. I'm pretty sure it was due to a lack of fast running over the past several months. My IM training built my endurance up, but that short course speed wasn't there.

I ended up getting passed by one guy around the 1.5 mile mark, and he crossed the finish about 25 seconds ahead of me.

Two years ago I was around 30 seconds faster on this 2nd run. However my placing on the two runs was pretty consistent - 8th and 9th overall combined with the fastest bike.

Chatted with Jesse, who is the QT2 founder and head coach. He's headed out to Kona on Tuesday to see his 6 pro athletes race. I wish I could pick his brain - he's quite knowledgeable when it comes to triathlon and coaching. I grabbed some food and waited around for awards, which were only a generic medal.


No speed work at 5k pace over the past several months except for some strides thrown in at the end of easy runs.


Now it's time to slowly build up the running mileage so I can start marathon training for Boston some time in late November.