We were off and the elbows and feet were quickly flying. I was about to go wide right after the first foot to my ribs, then I decided to just fight it out. The crowd finally thinned out after the second bouy, and I was winded. I just kept telliung myself to keep my face in the water. I had a hard time with this at St. A's. I stayed on course perfectly, which was an improvement from last year. I passed a few people from 2 waves in front of me, and that kept me motivated. A few times I tried to breathe on my right side and got a mouthful of the Gulf. After that I paid attention to my body motion with the waves and only breathed on my right after I felt the wave pass. One strong wave pushed me into the last bouy, so I just swam through it hoping not to get caught on the rope. Getting close to the shore adn I saw one more person from my wave, so I dove back down for a few more strokes, anything to pick up another spot.

Train hard so I can start out front and not fight so much. Pay attention to the waves more. I didn't drink nearly as much as at St. A's.

The run ....walk to transition was agonizing. I ran the first half and my calves were ready to fall off. Once I was on pavement I was ready to go. Everything went on quickly and smoothly, but I had to remind myself to run my bike out. I always want to jump on right away.

Not wear socks. Find a way to float over the quick sand. I might start my my bike rides by running my bike for a hundred yards or so.

I jumped on my bike and got rolling. A sharp right turn (almost a U turn) slowed me down a little. Then out to the main road and quickly at the first bridge. I was coming out of the big ring for the climb and my chain popped off. I thought I had this fixed? I was going for some water at that time and dropped my bottle. The top came off and lost all my hydration. And with the chain coming off I lost all my momemtum for the hill climb. I was happy to see the other side of the Sand Key bridge but not so happy to see the sharp left turn at the base. The Clearwater Memorial Bridge was much better. Betwen the second and third bridge I was really wanting something to drink. As I was coming into Bellair I guess I got my second wind, everything felt smoother and once I was on the final stretch back to Sand Key Park I was maintaining 18mph. Which I usually hold around 17 on flat roads. I got into the park and had a flawless dismount. It was fast, flying, and smooth.

Train more, and get my front derailure working right. I tested it the day before and all gears were working perfectly. Maybe add another bottle/holder.

I just got to my rack as quick as I could to get something to drink. I stuck with 50/50 Gatorade/Water.

Nothing.

My legs were shaky at the start so I decided to run through it. That was all fine until I hit that sand. After the first 1/4 mile in that sand I was ready to give up. Then I saw my wife and son, so I kept running. After another 1/4 mile I had to walk. And that wasn't any easier than running. I tried to pick it up once I got to the packed sand but as soon as I pushed off with my left foot my calf cramped. Almost as bad as at the Disney 1/2. In additon I forgot my hat in my car so the heat was felt on my head and starting to get to me. I decided to run, as best I could through the sun and walk in some shade. I took a gel aroudn the half way point and kept moving. As I passed mile 2 I knew there was the final turn around half mile away. And I just knew there was another water station there. I was sure of it. So I ran as much as I could and found nothing there. So I turned around and decided to run until I either passed the finish line or passed out. I started to pass some people, 6 total in the last quarter mile. Then 100 yards out I felt no pain and no thirst, there was James running out on the course just like last year. But this time it was planned. He told me the day before he wanted to run to the finish line with daddy. And that we did. He even got his own medal.

Train more and harder. Run in sand.

James and I posed for more pictures for the race photographer, the we walked back to find everyone. I met up with Jeff and Betsy again, and found my mom, step father and Colette. Everyone was packing up and heading out, so I made my way to some wraps and drinks. Tom and Christine found me so we talked while I finished my beer. This is the only setting I would ever have a beer before 10 am. On my way to TA I grabbed two bottles of Gatorade Endurance, they will come in handy later.


Not enough training and too much weight.


I enjoyed the reversal of the bike course, but I think the climbs are easier coming the other way. Regardless on how I do, I will always be back to race in MPM again. After all Morton Plant did all they could for my sister.