I really labored in the swim. I used the same size/brand wetsuit as last year, but it felt much tighter with my breathing very constrained. Being very comfortable, if very slow in the water, I didn't panic and just stuck it out, resting at times using different strokes. I was disappointed in my time as my swim training was not intense, but about the same as last year.

My swim training was not intense, but about the same as last year. I think I need to train better and smarter as I age. I need more long swims, and fewer short distance drills with my limited time.

My chip came off and I spent time trying to fasten it back on. I did a lousy job I guess, as I later lost it on the bike. As a result, I did not get any official splits, but have estimtated Transition times based on what I know to be my swim time from my watch and bike time from my bike computer. Run time is an estimate. Bottom line: slow and back of the pack.

Be more careful getting wetsuit off over the chip.

I felt good on the bike, but just didn't have the power I did last year when I averaged 16 mph. I know now I didn't push enough in training, even though I did two long rides of 50 miles and 100 miles. Training has to be worked at, not casual rides with too much time in the comfort zone.

Work harder in the saddle during training. Try to get in several medium rides of 30-40 miles.

T2 was a disaster in that I realized that I had lost my chip somewhere on the bike. So, I had to run to the back of T-2, find an official, then meet her back at the front of T-2, and then go back to my rack area. Race official was efficient, but my carelessness cost me four or five minutes.

Make sure I have my chip on securely. Otherwise, I think T-2 went well and better than last year.

It was pretty much a run/walk effort, but I had no doubt that I would finish. No throngs at the finish when you're at the back of the pack, but I did enjoy the last mile with the early finishers already on their way home giving me friendly honks and thumbs up. I know they're feeling my pain and routing for me. Thanks everyone!

More long runs.

Like almost every triathlete there, I really wish I had more time to train. A back injury (lots of digging in the yard) two months before the race took me out of training as I followed doctor's orders for about three weeks. I never really got back on track as family matters took over. The back still hurts at times, but is manageable. Getting old is a drag and I really felt it in this event. It made me think about hanging it up, but I'm now getting psyched again and may commit to another half IM (or even a full?) next year.


I agree with another Diamondman poster that there should be more for the money. The incorrect mileage on run course cones was a downer. Goodie bag is pretty much just advertising -- not much stuff, and the T-Shirt could have some more imaginative graphics than just DDT on the front. Last year there were photographers on all legs of the race, but I didn't see any this time, so no photos. The staff and volunteers were top rate, though, and I likee the overall course as I am not a big fan of hills. Not sure I'll do it again next year though.