This was my first mass start. All 144 of us. My plan was to hold back at the start, get my rythym, and begin to move it forward. It worked pretty well. I was in very good shape getting out of water and ahead of a bunch of guys. It was nice to see a lot of yellow caps still in the water while I was on the bike.

Get up front next time. There won't be so many people slowing me down. I had to break my rythym several times during the swim becaue others in front started breast stroking or having some difficulty maintaining the pace.

I put on socks while standing, then MTB shoes while standing, helmet glasses and MTB gloves. My ranking there was 55/144. Overall T1 went well. I didn't hurry and I had no problems.

I will continue to practice socks on, shoes on while standing.

This was my second MTB ride ever. My first was last week at the pre-ride on a rigid frame MTB. After getting beat up I decided to rent a front suspension bike for the race. I slapped my pedals and seat on it went for it. I had no expectations here, I knew I didn't have the skills to go fast on the trails. Especially the downhill segments.

Buy a MTB, Ride more MTB. The last 2.5 miles was a very steep climb. I pushed hard on this hill, passed a bunch people and paid for it later on the run.

I was 50/144 on this time so I must be getting it done right. I pretty much walked to my transition area. Shoes on while standing, hat, bib number and away I went.

Pedal on top of my shoes, run from the dismount to my area.

I couldn't get my legs moving. I know I thought about the run on the last mile of the bike but I don't think I was really prepared to make the transition. I pushed hard on the last bike climb, my heart rate was way up and my legs felt like lead. The first mile or so is all up hill. I wasn't prepared for that and it momentarily beat me. So I walked and ran and walked and ran until I figured out that I am a trained triathlete and I will not be defeated. Once I fixed the mental attitude I was able to get myself into a sustainable run pace. I ran the same course on the Sunday after the race to check my confidence in 40:37. An 8:07 pace.

Not sure yet, I have been doing my bricks but not at this duration or intensity.

Walked around, got refueld and hydrated. Met some new people. Went fishing with my grandson.


My inexperience in MTB riding was a definite factor. Not have a clear understanding of the run course or a plan for the run.


This was my first XTERRA race. It was great. Lots of support. I am looking forward to next year.