This was one of the more interesting swims I've ever done. It was combination Roller Derby and make a whirlpool with your friends in your back yard pool. Even though it was 400 there were a lot of wet suits. I don't see the need for a swim that short and so shallow. But the cold water did smack me one right in the face. I took one breath in a couldn't get it out. Had to breast stroke a few yards just to breath and get acclimated.

Not much.

Still fumbling around way too much. Went to the wrong rack too. Long run out. Bike got caught up trying to get it off rack and had to untangle from guy next to me. Plus I set up on the wrong side. Getting better though.

Just about everything. Strip it down and build it back up.

I propbably could have charged a little harder but I was trying to leave some in the tank for the run. I had this guy in front of me out there who was making it a little difficult. I had to make a choice. Go way faster than I wanted to to put him away or stay behind him. We were going to same speed and everytime I tried he would get pissed (I'd hear him grunt) and pass me again. Plus the marshalls were out right with about a group of 5 of us. When we got within a couple miles though I finally decided to screw it and nose down to pass and then get him off my wheel. Too late though.

Need quick tie laces. Oh and a mystery bike got wedged in between me and the guy next to me. That happens, I get it. What I don't get is how my race belt (always sticking out of my left shoe) got completely tangled up in his spokes. What the hell?

Quick ties.

And this is where my confusion starts. The results have me at a 6:58 pace. My watch has me around 6:35ish and here has 6:30. The distances were screwy. I think the official distance is 4.1. But that last bit wasn't a tenth. If the mile markers were in the wrong place then 1 to 2 and 2 to 3 were both wrong but exactly the same distance. Again, according to my watch. Does this make sense? I'm happy to say that no one passed me on the run. That is always a goal. I was the one doing the passing.

Good story...passed a guy with gum stuck on top his head (closely cropped hair). I asked him if he was saving it for later. He started laughing - he left it in his helmet prior to the swim (what the???) and he forgot about it. He said he even passed several family and friends and no one said anything. I just thought he may not want it there for the picture.

I had enough energy to have a conversation toward the end. I need to leave it all out there.

Walk.


Transition.


Really good race. Really happy I did it. Will definitely use it as a tune up next year as well.