The first leg parallel to the beach was shallow enough to walk, all the way to the first turn buoy. I stood once or twice when I needed to get my bearings and actually walked around the buoy. The last hundred or so yards in was also very shallow. I swam as long as I could, until I started to hit bottom (longer than most racers). But then I had to run in through the water. That's pretty slow. It was difficult to see the way back in to the beach after the last turn buoy due the sun. I just aimed for the shore. Otherwise the swim felt great.

Keep getting more confident with OWS races.

The run from the beach to T1 is over a quarter mile through beach, grass, over a hill, etc. I got a cramp half-way there, which required me to walk for some of it. I grabbed some gatorade at the aid station and it seemed to help. I had a hard time getting to my gear due to cramped space in T1. I also put bike gloves on wrong hands and had to change them. I had a hard time getting my swim cap off as well.

Practice. I lost way too much time in T1 again on this race.

I wasn't sure how to pace this because I wanted to save for the run, but I also know that the bike is where the time is set for HIM races (and other tris). I set an initial goal of 3:00, but knew I could probably beat that. I paced slowly for the first 15 or so miles and then picked it up. I pushed hard up the last hill at mile 51, but otherwise took them conservatively. The course was mostly flat. I ate 4 gels and drank 4 bottles of gatorade. I should probably eat a bit more.

Work to stay more aero and efficient. Keep pushing the pace when I can.

T2 wasn't as bad as T1, but it was still slow. I couldn't find my running gear because they had thrown the dry bags from the swim on top of everyone's transition spot. I had to dig under it to find my running gear. I also needed a porta john, but they were not readily obvious at T2 either. I had to find it near the run entrance to the woods.

Keep working on speeding up transitions.

I tried pacing the run slowly for the first few miles. I couldn't get slow enough. I knew I would pay for it later, but couldn't slow down. By the third lap, I was suffering . The fourth lap involved a fair amount of walking the hills in the woods. I got support from the crowds cheering for RTC or me. I drank water at every aid station and coke at one. I got very hungry during the last lap. I should have had another gel or two. I also developed some blisters on my toes during the last lap or two and also had some chafing. My left hip started to hurt at mile 4, but it didn't get worse.

Either pace the early part of the run more slowly or pace the bike more slowly. I had a good run, but could do better if I didn't have walks during the last lap. Get thinner socks for the run. Use more anti-chafe cream.

Finished with girls per Rev3 races. Ate some pasta that they served. Had a couple of cold drinks and headed home.


Lack of experience at this distance, problems in transitions, pacing on the run.


The race was a significant improvement over last year. The only comments for additional improvement would be to not through dry bags on top of transition gear, have porta johns at T2, and have better post-race food. The food was awful. Otherwise, the logistics and the spectator experience were significantly improved from last year.