I was in the 2nd and final wave so I knew no one would be swimming over top of me. I pretty much just let everyone go and then started 20 seconds later. I just tried to relax and swim smooth and slow. This was only my 3rd open water swim and in the previous two I went out too hard. This was my best swim yet because I went at my own pace and tried to stay relaxed.

I drafted some and my sighting was good with the exception of the last leg where I veered off to the right a bit. I got out of the water feeling pretty good.

Nothing besides more time in the pool.

I took my time since I had a 38 mile bike ride ahead of me. I also wanted to get my HR down a bit since the ride started with a nasty climb.

Nothing

Bike started with a nasty climb out of the park. Once I was out on the road I started with my nutrition. I had two gels for the ride and a bottle of gatorade and a bottle of water. Took a gel and some water right away and got into a groove. The 1st lap felt long but also felt good. There were some significant hills that caught me by surprise since it was the 1st time I've riddent the whole route.

I kept my cadence up in the climbs anbd tried to stay as upright as possible to get good oxygen flow. On the flats and downhills I was consistently in aero.

Stopped after the 1st loop to refill bottle with gatorade and grabbed a water bottle. Took a gel early during the 2nd loop. 2nd loop was much of the same except my pace was a bit slowed. I was getting a little tired and didn't want to blow up on the run.

Overall I was really happy with a 17.6 mph average on that course.

Train a bit more on hills.

Again I took more time than usual since this was a long race for me. I forgot to take my Garmin off the bike and put it on my wrist which kind of sucked. Other than that T2 was fine.

Remember my Garmin

Ugh...worst run of my life. I knew almost immediately that I was in trouble. I was severely dehydrated and this run was going to be a struggle. I ran most of the 1st mile but after mile 1 there was a pretty big hill that I walked most of. At the top of the hill was the 1st aid station -- I took water and gatorade and was on my way.

Around mile 2 I started to cramp and had to mix walking and running. I didn't realized how hot it was while I was on the bike. The sun was just baking the road and many people were reduced to walking. At the turnaround I asked if they had salt tabs but no suck luck. It was chicken broth or pretzels -- I tried some broth and it seemed to help. I really should have taken some endurolytes which I had sitting in my bag at transition.

I felt better on the way back and only had to walk some. At the 4.5 mile aid station I took some more broth and gatorade and began the downhill back into the park. I ran most of the last 1.5 and was very happy to see the 6 mile marker. I kicked with whatever I had left for the last .2 and came down the chute with a big smile. I heard Bridget cheering from the left as I finished.

Take salt / endurolytes.

Pizza and regular coke! And then some more pizza :)

Sat around with Bridget and the dog (Forrester our new Boston Terrier pup who was huge hit all day) and tried to relax.

I knew there weren't many Clydes so we waiting around for awards and surprise, suprise I placed 3rd in the Clyde division. I took home my 1st Tri-related trophy and a big bottle of Hammer Gel :) Sure I only beat one other clyde but I'll take it! I was only a minute behind the 2nd Clyde.


Weather and my lack of consistent training for the past 6 weeks.


Small fun race with good organization. I would do it again.