Temperature already in the upper 60's and still a little foggy, so the humidity was likely 100%, so it was a little warm on the run. Breathing felt a little difficult, and I walked more than i should have on some of the tough climbs.

Should have pushed it a little harder.

Got into T1 and realized my sunglasses might fog a little until I got moving on the bike, and when I grabbed them out of my helmet they were already a little fogged. The first 1/4 mile or so of the bike is on dirt and gravel with short steep descents and climbs, I wanted to see as well as possible, so I decided I would leave my glasses off until I got going. Tried to shove them in my jersey pocket, but couldn't get them in there, so I tried to put them in my bento box, but somehow my multitool was in there instead of my saddle bag. Just threw it on the ground and shoved my glasses in.

While I was messing around, several people, including Kat/Tritoy came into T1 after me, but left before me. That aggravated me.

Think it through beforehand.

Felt good getting on the bike. As soon as you hit the road there is a substantial climb. I have a compact crank, and I switched from a 11/28 cassette to a 12/30 and it was helpful. Passed a few people, including Kat going up. Told them don't worry, you'll pass me on the way back down because I am a chicken on fast descents. Sure enough, 3 people passed me on the fast and technical "Mohonk" descent.. When Kat passed me she was flying! She had a road bike and was doing that thing that the TDF riders do, kinda laying down on the top tube. Scared me just watching her. Still, I am pleased with how I did on that descent. Checked my Strava segments, and I was 45 seconds faster getting down that hill than last year.

The climb back up to Minnewaska went well, and I repassed a couple of the people who had passed me earlier. I was much better on the long descent from Awosting than I have been in the past. They repaved a few of the rough spots which helped. Only feathered the brakes a few times.

Towards the end of the bike there is one last hard climb of a mile or so. Saw a guy a couple hundred yards in front of me, and tried to push hard to catch him, but I wasn't able to.





Let go on the fast downhills. Get on the trainer more in the Winter.

Took a few moments to catch my breath. Since it was hot, intended to take off my tri jersey and put on my favorite hot weather running shirt, but some how i forgot.

Was pretty hot and the heat is not my friend. It was a mistake to try to catch that guy at the end of the bike because my legs were pretty dead the first mile or so. Walked way more than I would like. A little bit after mile 3 there is a section of nearly a mile of fast downhill, and I tried to make up some time there. My quads were complaining, but I still did pretty good.

Near the end, I got close to the guy I tried to pass on the bike. Somehow I had a little kick left and was able to pass him with a couple hundred feet to go.

Take it a little easier at the end of the bike.

Good food and beer after the race. Very nice! The RD outdid himself with 3 kegs of different beer from a local micro brewery. One was an IPA which I thought was perfect for a hot day.

I waited for the awards for my beer since the trophies are nice big glass beer mugs. No idea how i did in my AG, but usually there are 3 or fewer in men 55-59, so I figured I would place, and I did. First of one! Woo-hoo! My wife is......unimpressed, but I explained it's because not many people have the nerve to try even the short course.

Tritoy also won her AG, so she got to drink her beer from a nice glass mug as well. Outstanding job! Congratulations Kat, and I hope you come back.


Old and slow. Could stand to lose a few pounds and I should train more.


Really a great event. I will keep doing it as long as I can ride and run.