It was pretty crowded in the water. Got close to the front but it was pretty jammed there. Got a decent start. There was definitely some jostling around but there were about 175 guys in my wave so them's the brakes. It got pretty clear by the first turn buoy and I found some decent feet to sit on. Kind of bounced around between a few guys, and tried to draft as much as I could. Before the 2nd buoy we hit traffic, and lots of it. The Clydesdales went off in front of us and they were definitely making their presence felt. I took a good shot to the eye from a sidestroker, but it didn't knock my goggles off. The 3rd buoy on home was just weaving around traffic, but I did find a good set of feet from a guy in my wave and I just stuck behind him all the way to the docks.

Not too much. I felt good about my swim. It took me a little while to get into a good breathing pattern but otherwise I felt strong.

This was kind of a mess. Got to my rack ok and had my cap and goggles off and my suit down to my waist. I think my HR was pretty high as I felt pretty max'd out and kind of spent/out of sorts. Suit came off ok, definitely took a little bit because I was cramping in my hammies and calves. So that concerned me. Got the suit off, then you had to stuff it into a garbage bag with all of your other stuff and tie it up. Got bike stuff on and then I was out of there.
323/872 OA, 42/90 in AG.

It was definitely way out of routine so that didn't help, otherwise try not to get cramps while taking off the wetsuit.

Felt ok on the bike, getting into my left pedal I could feel the residual cramping in my left calf and that made it tough to get up the first hills getting out of town. The first part of the course I was kind struggling to find my rhythm. Didn't really get into a good groove until the bigger hill sections and the ride back down Generals Highway. Got passed by a fair amount of the service academy kids early on and then I did some passing myself before settling around a group of people who kept swapping positions. There were some pretty big packs of drafters, but I saw a bunch of them get penalties at least there was good enforcement of the rules. had a bottle of gu20 and about half a bottle of water.

Maybe push a little harder earlier on, but for some reason I just couldn't get into a solid rhythm. Probably still recovering from the rough T1, too.

Another pretty messy transition. I got in there and then headed towards my rack, but I was in the wrong aisle and they didn't number the whole aisle just that section, so I got confused when I went past a rack that was lower than my number and the next one was higher than my number...realized what was up and then got over to my rack. Then I went to the wrong side of the rack. Luckily there was space for me to scoot under to the other side to get my running stuff on. Shoes and socks were on pretty easily, race belt on and then that was it.

Figure out if I can do a 10k without socks. Make a better mental map of where my spot was and how to get there without having to look at the numbers.

37/90 in AG.
327/872 OA.

Started out a bit conservatively. Got into a decent groove after about a mile and was pouring water over my head at the aid stations as it was getting pretty warm out. Felt like it took forever to get out of the stadium grounds. Felt stronger as the run went on until I hit the bridge. Ran to the top of the bridge but I was hurting when I got up there, cruised back down and recovered well and got my stride back. Did much more passing than getting passed so that was encouraging. Saw Dtraining twice out there. Drank GE at a few aid stations and a bit of water.

Not much, I was a big worried about blowing up on the run as I didn't know quite what to expect from myself. I maybe could have pushed harder earlier on but I don't know if that was the smart thing to do for my first Olympic race, either.

Walked around and chatted with Dtraining, water and gatorade. met up with Shelly123 and wyecrab and talked for a bit and got some food.


I think I put in a solid effort overall. Wish the transitions were a little smoother. I was happy with my time and thought if all went well that I'd come in around 2:30, so going a few minutes faster was nice. Just keep on plugging away, and doing what I'm doing as it seems to be improving my fitness.


These guys are on the ball. There were cops and volunteers all over the course. This race should become a classic. It's kind of a pain with 2 transitions and the fact that you have to be there the day before, but they really put on a good event. Great venue, great volunteers, really nice course. Definitely be back for this one.