I suck at swimming. Not much else I can say about this swim. I thought I was moving pretty steadily and faster than I did at Cranberry last year, but I have essentially made zero improvement in the swim department. I had my very own kayak paddling next to me which was a constant reminder of just how god damn slow I was going. I wanted to grab that woman's paddle and hit her with it.

I did as well as I could have.

I took my time drying my feet and putting my socks on. I had the whole T area to myself.

Maybe move just a little faster.

When I got on the bike I noticed 2 things immediately: 1. since I was in the last swim wave and I was so slow, EVERYONE was gone, so it felt like I was out there by myself. 2. I felt like absolute shit.
I immediately ate a Fruit Trekker bar and started suckin down Gatorade in an attempt to revive myself. I had NOTHING on the first few hills. I had to stand up just to make it over little inclines. I thought for sure I was going to bonk.
But after about 15 miles I started to feel better. The nutrition was starting to sink in, and my legs were coming back to life. I ate a Carbboom gel for the first time and LOVED it.
The rest of the bike was uneventful. I passed a few people here and there, and was feeling pretty good. With about 3 miles left to go I heard a weird noise beneath me, and I looked down and saw that my spare tube was coming out of my Xstrap and about to get lodged in my wheel. So I twisted around to grab it, and in the process wrenched my stomach rather painfully, which would cause problems later.


Maybe go a little harder.

When I got into transition I couldn't get my right foot out of my pedal. A volunteer had to run over and hold my bike down so I could forcefully twist my foot out. Then I ran to my rack and changed shoes. Hit the porto.

Nothing

Ahhh, the run...what can I say about the run? I had high expectations for the run. I thought for sure I could manage to make it back in under 7 hours total and reach the only real goal I set for myself for this race. But pretty much as soon as I hit the sand on the beach, my stomach felt like it was being ripped apart. I've had side stitches before, but this was unlike any other pain I have ever felt. I couldn't breathe and run at the same time without crying, and crying and running don't exactly mix. I kept trying to work out the pain in my side but it just wouldn't go. I felt my sub-7 half iron slipping away with every step I had to walk. There were lots of friendly faces out on the course, and I was happy to see my friends all doing so well. Strangers were very nice and encouraging too. A really nice bunch of people at this race.
By the time my stitches went away my legs and feet were tired from being out there so long. I kept looking at my watch and getting mad that I wasn't going to make my goal time. Eventually I rolled in, and it was so nice to see that some folks had stuck around for my less than impressive 7:09 finish.
I was just happy to be done.

I guess it was a combination of twisting my stomach on the bike, and possibly from drinking too-potent Gatorade (not positive about that). What's done is done.

I was freezing! There was very little food left so I grabbed a cheese burger and C and I headed back to the Moose cottage to pack up and say goodbye.


Sucking at swimming and having a bad run.


Nice Moose gear, lots of nice volunteers and food/drink out on the course, nice venue, an overall good race.