I was in the 3rd and last wave

This transition was just ridiculous. Everything that could have gone wrong did. My suit was stuck, despite a liberal application of bodyglide. My POC aerodrink fell off the bike, spilling all my water, so I had to return back to the table for more. And it took forever to get my clothes out of the bag and on- it was kind of dumb to try to keep them dry, as they were soaked 30 seconds into the ride.

Everything.

Well, this is always my weakest discipline, and today was no different. Within the first mile or two, rain was stinging my eyeballs so badly that I really couldn't see the course and was afraid I'd have to stop. Fortunately the horizontal stuff stopped, and there was just the good old heavy, soaking rain to deal with. The course was very nice, and would have been beautiful on a better day. We rode around Lake Montauk, and then did an out-and-back run to the end of the island, which had a terrific view of the Atlantic (what you could see of it). There were tons of flats and other problems along the road; I was very fortunate to have escaped mechanical issues. But the SAG support was great- I was probably passed by one of their vehicles every 5 minutes or so.

There were a few rolling hills, but the wind and the puddles were more challenging. In fact, conditions became so bad that they had to shorten the bike course by 8 miles on the second loop (extremely disappointing for my first HIM, but very understandable).

As I was finishing the second loop, the thunder and lightning began. And I mean right overhead. I was actually very surprised that they let us keep racing, because.. damn.

Nutrition worked well- I had water every 10 min, Gu2O every 15, and a GU every 40.. I think I need to get a few more calories on the bike, though.. more than a sip of the Gu20, in particular. Overall, I was disappointed not to break 17MPH, but I need more time in the saddle.

Ride faster.

Another fairly ridiculous transition. I changed socks, took a gel, and had a moment of indecision but decided to use the bathroom.

More transition practice.

So the run started with the thunder and lightning still overhead, and we were running through puddles that were- no kidding- a foot deep and more in many places around the course. Not the smartest thing I've ever done, to be sure. But since they let us keep going, going we kept.

The run was actually pretty difficult, with some steep hills throughout the course. Though some of these hills led to some really spectacular views, as well. I felt strong throughout, and was reasonably pleased with my pace. I was kind of bummed kknowing that I wasn't completing a "real" HIM because of the shortened bike leg, but what can you do?

My nutrition got kind of random during the run, and I need to be more disciplined in this aspect. By the end of the race I was getting very hungry, and a longer distance would have been tough without more calories.

I didn't cramp the entire race until the last 500 yards or so. It was great- the only place on the course where spectators in any number were present, and I seize up like someone's taken a crowbar to the back of my leg. Fortunately I was able to recover in 30 seconds or so, but it was more excitement than I wanted at that point.



Better nutrition.

I basically threw all my soaked and dirty junk into a big bag, grabbed my bike, and walked to the car. We went right back to the hotel, where I took one of the longest, hottest showers of my life. I should have done more post-race stretching and appropriate eating (not the doughnut I inhaled), as I was sore longer than I should have been.


Lack of experience at the distance. Not enough time riding long distances on the bike.


Overall this was more of an experience than a race- the weather was so ridiculous that I think it actually worked as an effective distraction from any pain I might have been feeling from the exertion.

I really have to hand it to the volunteers who provided such great support in that mess- they were awesome.

I would love to return on a better day.. Montauk is a beautiful place, and the course is really great.