I intentionally started out slow because I had a habit of going all out and loosing steam. This worked well for me as the current on the return leg kept pulling me back. I fought through it and the rest of the swim was good.

Keep working on my swim. This was my first HIM and first ocean swim in a race. I have been working on my swim and finally came in under 2min/100yards.

This included the run from the beach. For T1, I was 18th in my A/G so I am very happy with it, especially with wetsuit removal.

One mistake here, I started to put on my shoes before my helmet and sunglasses, like I practiced. I put on my right shoe, realized I forgot my helmet, put it on, then my left shoe.

I had heard stories about 15mph headwinds from people who had done this race before. Fortunately, I think I only encountered 5-10mph headwinds occasionally. I was very happy with my ride. My goal was to average 20mph and I managed an average of 20.5mph.

Nothing but continue to work on my cycling.

WOW!!! My A/G rank on T2 was 9th! I have to thank Tony for helping me with the flying dismount.

For the flying dismount, I did what has been working for me by swinging my right leg behind my left leg which causes me to take a stutter step off the bike. I need to work on bringing the right leg in front of the left leg.

The "Keeping cool:" tab needs an "Are You Kidding" option!

I now know why this race is called Gulf ROAST. But the volunteers were great! I also made it on the official race video during the run. Probably because I saw the cameraman ahead of time and forced a smile when I passed him.

More run and MENTAL training. The run is the weakest part of my racing. I left T2 about 30 minutes ahead of my plan. With that cushion, I wonder if, in the back of my mind, I took it easy on the run and only beat my goal by a couple of minutes instead of 15, 20 or even 30 minutes.

Walked to the athletes area for some water. Long line for the pizza (waiting for the next Domino's delivery) so I decided to skip. Went back to transition and mixed up some Endurox and stretched.


I need to work on my mental training to stay more focused during the run. It was my first HIM and I was actually enjoying the race, heat and all. But I probably could have done better on the run if I were more focused.


This race completes my first year of triathlon. I have come a long way since my first race at Indian Springs June 06, followed by Tri-PTC, and the Disney Oly. I am very happy with the results and look forward to the rest of this season.

I also have to say thanks to Tony as my official, unofficial coach. I also have to apologize to him for the crash I caused the day before the race due to some miscommunication on my part. Our training plan called for a 30 min swim, 20 bike, and 10 min run on Friday. Fortunately, after a trip to a clinic, he was able to race. For full details, be sure to read tribesman's report when he posts.