Somebody invent an underwater lawn mower, because we all swam through a ton of plants that had been submerged due to all the rain. I'm not comfortable in open water as it is, much less when I think I'm raking my hands through a coral reef of death. For all I know, I'm angering the nest of 1000 sea snakes.

I thought I was faster than this, but when you include the run from the water I guess this is about right.

OK, here's what I hate about being the first wave in the water. I'm used to being in a middle-late wave and having hundreds of people in front of me when I get out of the water. Then I get to pass tons of people on the bike and feel like I'm Floyd Landis' B Sample incarnate. But when I'm in the first wave, all that happens is I get passed by the fastest people in the other waves. Listen, I know substantively it doesn't make any difference, but it's discouraging to be passed that much when you're used to being the passer. I know I'm not going to be any better than a MOP in my age group, but jesus christ, throw me a bone. I averaged nearly 20mph and was in the bottom 20% of my AG on the bike. I'm picking races with harder bike courses from here on out because it seems to affect other racers more than me. Anyone know of a tri on Mount Everest?

Probably my fastest transition ever. The lock laces helped a ton.

My miles ticked by slower as I went on, save for the last 1/2 mile or so. I did about a 9:30 mile 1 followed by a 9:45 mile 2, then my last 1.1 miles were fast because I knew I was nearing the end.

Find Desiree and her rickshaw.

Well, I did see a 12-year-old puke at the finish line. The event photographer was so kind as to capture the moment on film. I uploaded it to my race pictures for your enjoyment.


Taking a couple weeks off training before the eve-I mean my extended taper.


Par for the course with Ironhead events: routes were well-marked, transitions were well organized, and Jack made sarcastic remarks throughout. You know what you're getting with Ironhead, and that's a good thing. They're very reliable.

(some day I'm doing a whole tri in a wetsuit just so he has to can that joke)