Waves were breaking 2-4 feet with whitecaps on the swim out to the first buoy. Once we made the right run around the buoy for the 1-mile leg, we were swimming in deep, rolling troughs. Made sighting the next four buoys quite fun! Had a great swim. My swim rank is within my age group.

I had a good swim. I was shooting for under 40 mins, so quite pleased, especially given the conditions. The rolling waves were so large that I actually swam about 100 yards past the final buoy before turning toward shore, so next time I'll try not to do that.

A great transition

Nada

Had a good bike. Probably too good, as I burned out on the run.

Not sure at this point. I've done a handful of 50-plus mile rides this year, and probably should have done several 70-75 milers.

Very hapy with my transitions in this race. I learned a great deal and gained so much confidence in my 3 sprints earlier this year.

Nada

This is where I really let myself down. The first four miles went OK, but the pain of fatigue hit my legs like two landmines. I felt like my legs were loaded with hot shrapnel. The run is where I really like to make up distance on "the unprepared." This time that was me. I HATE to give up, but I knew that if I didn't walk I wouldn't finish. I probably walked 3-4 miles of the 13, feeling incredibly dejected as others in my age group passed me by. I was able to alternate running and walking, but it was too late ... the run stole a 5-hour finish from me. On the bright side, I learned so much from this disappointment. The first chance I got on Monday I went online and signed up for next year's race!

Train for this distance. I only ran one 1/2 marathon this year - in May - and so I did not have the miles accumulated like I should have. My training has primarily been for sprint distance. The truth is, I would not have done a 1/2 IM this year except for the fact that I was drawn to Racine because it's my hometown. I'll get 'em next year.

Water, water, water and fruit while sitting.


I still do not have the race-day nutrition/hydration plan I need to be successful in longer distances. We'll work on that. Also, we'll work on training for the 1/2 distance this year, squeezing in sprint distance races, instead of training for sprints and squeezing in a 1/2!


A superb race in a beautiful location. 600 volunteers assured us of a well-run race with plenty of drink stations. Despite my bonk on the run, it was a valuable learning experience and one that only strengthened my resolve.