Terrible start. My wave was first, and I settled in behind the first row of guys. we took off and almost immediately last the lead group of 5 guys. I grabbed onto someone and drafted a bit, but realized we were WAY off course to the right. Sighting was pretty tough looking into the sun. I couldn't really make out the buoys at all. The first out section was rough. Never really found a groove and probably ended up swimming an extra 200 m.

After reach the first turn buoy, I could finally tell where the buoys were at and started reeling in people. I eventually found some feet that were at my pace and drafted almost the remainder of the race. I eventually passed him on the last stretch, and subconsciously thanked him for the pull.

As soon as I stood up to exit the water, my left hamstring cramped big time. It was locked, and I had to stop and stretch it out before continuing. more on that later...

Sight more frequently, realize I pull to the right and try to compensate for that. But really, this was my first race of the season and I was relatively happy with the result. But it could have easily been faster.

AG: 8, OA: 26

Jogged through transition, trying to regain my breath and work the cramp out. My feet were killing me, they needed to put down carpet or something. I was surprised my feet weren't bleeding from all the random rocks. The actual transition went great, no issues hopping on the bike and getting feet in shoes.

run.

As soon as my feet were in my shoes, I started hammering. I figured I'd need this to remain warm, but it was a non issue. I started trying to keep pace with a friend who I knew could hammer, but after half of the first lap, he was a bit ahead of me and I was content letting him go.

I felt pretty strong throughout the ride. Definitely worked hard, but there was really never a point where I thought I might be damaging my run. I think I could have attacked the one hill a bit more, but I instead just kept a higher cadence with an easier gearing.

took in two gels and 1 salt tab

Not sure, I think I rode exactly what I could do. So I guess just keep training and getting faster.

AG: 5, OA: 19

Towards the end of the ride, my quads and hamstrings were getting to the point where they were about to seize up. At about mile 2, this finally happened. I couldn't stretch them out or really keep running. I eventually took in a gel and a couple glasses of water that finally allowed them to subside to the point I could start running again.

Pace was ok, but I do feel I left something out on the course. I know I could maintain a faster pace, but the cramping kinda hampered that. Regardless, this was my fastest 10k race split, and I look forward to improving on it.

Maybe drink more on the bike, and take in a bit more salt to keep the cramps at bay, but really I think it just had to do with racing hard for the first time this year.

not much, chatted and had a few beers


cramping. This was the first time I've cramped immediately getting out of the water. It was really weird, I've cramped during the swim before, but nothing like this. My hammie was just stuck and wouldn't release. I also think my training has prevented my ability to go faster, as I've basically done zero speed work before this race. But overall, I was happy with my result. A 19 minute OLY PR.


I had a great time at this race and was really impressed. They gave away a ton of stuff with your registration, and everything was well organized. I was also really happy with the overall amount of competition at this race! It was really stacked, and it's fun to race really good people!