Swam easy and steady, just couldn't keep a straight line and went wide on every straightaway. I forgot to hit the start button on the Garmin, but I'd be curious to know how far I actually swam. Doesn't matter since the goal is to get from here to there in the shortest time possible.

2012 time - 47:41. so picked up 2:12 with worse navigating. must be swimming faster at least.

Swim more consistently.

Saved 1:39 in T1 by being a better swimmer this time. last time I felt like hell and had to work out cramps. Got one cramp taking off wetsuit but caught it before things go out of hand.

Dont know AG rank as they do running totals. Picked up 13 AG spots and 100 OA spots from swim (cause I swim slow).

I kept things moderate as much as I could this time and felt pretty good the whole time except for a sore but and forearms. The new armrest pads weren't wide enough and was annoyed by sharp velcro poking me whenever on the aerobars. There are some real grinders so I just tried to use all the gears and save up in between them.

2012 time 3:28:50. So picked up a whopping 15 seconds but it was a whole different race and I felt a lot better throughout.

Maybe push a little harder, but I was dreading the run and didn't want to leave too much out there. You never know until you push it too hard and blow up...

be more careful on bottle exchange. I bobbled one and it went flying. Luckily no one was injured.

Picked up 12 AG spots and 64 OA.

Held it under control throughout. Walked some of the steeper hills and each aid station that I was drinking at.

Walked the hill at 12.5 miles as intended. This is the last kick in the balls before the finish and I wasn't sure if the kids would be there and want to cross with me. a few seconds aren't worth looking like hell in front of them to me. So I had mixed feelings when a racer passed me on that hill and gave me a "almost there, harden up". Part of knows its encouragement and camaraderie and part of me wanted to say "get bent, run your own race". I guess I was starting to get grumpy by then...

2012 time 2:16:02. So very happy to drop 16:41 in this leg. I was running as fast then, so it must be the easier bike.

Enjoyed the icey cold towel they handed out for a minute, then the 1 mile bike to my car. Met the family at Lake Compounce for some "family fun". Rides suck after a HIM, but what can you do?


Lack of consistent training. No more signing up early for this race. If I feel up to it in April next time, I'll sign up then....


Hard to find a race to beat the scenery, organization, volunteers, energy and traffic control of this race. Really a great race (but tough).