That swim was the most brutal swim ever. Fortunately, it was a relatively calm day so no real chop on the lake.

Crowded mass start. What did I do? Started in the center and middle of the pack. Worst decision ever. I should have started far right or far left towards the back or picked a different line. I was in the middle of criss-crossing swimmer paths.

Calves cramped up while running up the boat ramp. Did not see that as a good sign.

Beautiful, scenic course. The rollers at the end really take a toll, especially after the final pinnacle. Nice long fast downhill if you have any juice in your legs.

Ran a 11-28, which I am glad I had that bigger cog for the hills. I don't think I needed anything bigger there. Dropped the water bottle that was handed off - so need to practice replacing bottle in the saddle holsters or get a new one.

Really started feeling cramp twinges in my quads at Mile2. Pulled Powerade at the next two waterstations and struggled to keep pace up and not walk. Reduced the length of my strides and tried shorter quicker stride, which helped temporarily.

Need to hydrate and replenish electrolytes on the bike.

Water, water, water. Stretch. Walk. Drink a bottle of chocolate milk.


Quad cramps. Probably due to lack of hydration and electrolytes.


Post race food was great. Volunteers and spectators at several points on the course.Very good challenging and humbling course. You certainly feel like you accomplished something out there. Would like to see this hosted a little earlier in May. Late May is less likely to be wetsuit legal - and I had heard a lot of the other participants wishing they had a wetsuit.