Right from the start and for probably a good 200m, we were all really boxed in, with lots of contact. Stacie and I had started right next to each other, I kept hoping I wasn't beating up on her. Turns out she was thinking the same thing, so we decided we were even.

Since the first length of the swim was straight into the sun, I couldn't sight very much, and decided to really just follow the people ahead of me. With being the last wave, there were a LOT of people ahead of me! By the time we hit the first turn bouy, I had started to catch people from the wave ahead of me. By the time I finished, I had caught peopel from 5 waves ahead.

For some reason I had a really hard time drafting on this swim. Not really sure why, given the tight start. But, this is my fastest-paced swim time ever in a race, and this time includes a 1:00 run up the beach. When I stood up, my watch read 36:50.

Try a little harder to find a good draft.

Nothing terribly eventful here. I forgot to bring my small towel for drying my feet, and had to use the edge of my mat towel, so that slowed me a little. I actually thought I was slower than this, so I'm pretty happy with it.

Remember my small towel.

Since it was going to be super hot on the run, I knew there was no chance of a good run for me today. I decided to push the bike a little bit more, rather then taking it easy to have a good run, and it paid off. This is my fastest-paced bike segement in a race, ever!

I took it pretty easy on the gentle inclines and more significant climbs that stretch until the turn on St. Vrain. Then, pushed it a bit on the descent and flats. Tried to keep a nice steady pace on the Diagnol (a stretch of road I loathe), and to the turn around in front of the Res. Saw Cathy during the out & back section on 51st, and she was looking strong. Second lap I pushed a little more, and managed to negative split the second lap by about 7 minutes!

One of the few major downhills on the course is just as you turn onto St. Vrain. I am coming up to the turn, and there is a couple out for their Sunday ride. I just figure I will pass them. Well, they decided to ride side-by-side on the downhill, even after I yelled "ON YOUR LEFT PLEASE!!" I couldn't pass them without crossing the center line. I realize this is an open course, and they had every right to be riding out there, but come on! There is a race going on, and you are on the course!! Don't block the racers!! OK, rant over.

Nothing.

Pretty uneventful. The bike next to mine on the rack had its front wheel turned, so it was blocking my access to the rack. I had to adjust that bike to get mine in, which cost maybe a handful of seconds. Otherwise, not sure what took me so long!

Practice transitions. I have practiced at all this year.

And here, the wheels fell off. I knew this run would suck for me, but I didn't think it would be quite this bad. Heat and I do not agree, and the heat usually wins, with me ending up dizzy and sometimes passed out and convulsing. I decided to be very conservative, since the temps were supposed to be near 100.

I was hoping for something in the 10 minute range, and started off OK, but quickly started to have GI issues. As has become usual, I thought I was going to puke for probably the first 2-3 miles, and just wished it would come so I could start feeling better. No dice. Then I started to get a cramping feeling in my lower gut. Thought a trip to the porta potty would help. Now, if I could just find a porta potty...I thought there was supposed to be potties at each aid station. Uh-uh. There were 2 on each loop. Finally made it to one, and nothing helpful happened. Darn it!

Starting with the first aid station, I grabbed ice when offered and dumped it in my bra--it is the first advantage women have I have found in this sport! The ice made a fun jingling sound bouncing off of my hrm strap when I ran. I drank as much water as I could, and dumped the rest on my head. I alternated taking endurolytes and gu at the aid stations.

On the second lap, I decided to try another pit stop, with no success. But, when I came out, there was Cathy!

So I starting running with her, and that made the rest of the run so much better! She helped me push a bit of a faster pace than I would have on my own. Thank you, Cathy! After the last aid station, we picked up the pace just a bit. Walked the last hill, then a strong pace to the finish. We got to cross the finish line together, which was great!

Really couldn't say. I need to figure out what is causing the GI issues. I stayed clear of the gatorade, since every sports drink I have tried to run with has not had positive results. I don't know what else I could do??

Found Ocky and Stacie, and sat down in the shade for a bit. Then grabbed some food, and sat back down to force myself to eat. Chatted with a bunch of BTers, then headed home.


The heat & GI issues. And that track workout I did on Tuesday--20x400s at 1:55 pace (crazy fast for me). This was not an "A" race for me, and coach and I treated it that way.


Even with the dismal run, I had a great swim, a great bike, and I took 40 minutes off my previous HIM PR, so I am very happy with my over all performance.

5430 Sports always puts on a nice race. Very, very well organized. They did a great job of keeping the aid stations stocked with water and ice on a very hot day, although some were out of sponges on the second lap. I would only change 2 things: 1) more potties on the run; and 2) something else for the finisher's souveniers--um, thanks for the pint glass?!