Goal was 40 minutes. Slow start getting used to the cold water and all the bumping in the crowd. Got into a groove after about 5 minutes and got a little drafting on the way out. After rounding the bouy I found a good draft for about another 5 minutes, but the guy faded and I had to pass. Got into an akward side by side with a woman who was breathing on her opposite side so we were facing each other for another 5 - pretty funny. The best move of the day - releaving myself in the last 500 yards - made for a much more comfortable bike ;-).



I should have got some swimming in before the race to get used to the temp - otherwise it was great.

Overall really happy with the ride. By my watch (which I think I didn't hit the lap buttons at the appropriate times) my T1 was really long. We'll see what the official time is.

Should have opened my shoes better with them on the pedals before hand. I had to do this while on the bike.

The first 10 miles went quick. At mile 11, I saw Paul on the side of the road with a flat. Asked if he needed help and he waived me off. This turned out to be his 1st flat (more later).
Got passed at mile 24 by a guy who was definitely in the Clydesdale class. I was okay getting passed alot, but this guy. I passed him back at mile 25 and thought that was the end of it. Nope, he passed me again at mile 28 and I never saw him again.
At mile 48 I pulled off and hit the porta potty which was absolutely necessary, but hurt my time of course. Then the bummer, I saw Paul's wife driving down Quincy and looking around. I realized, Paul must have had more problems and called in the pickup. I later learned he had 3 flats and the patty wagon was getting ready to pick him up. What a bummer.

I was conservative throughout the race to save up for the run. I carried a 20 mph pace the first 30 miles which I thought would be enough to carry just over 18 avg by the finish. The hills and wind caught me on the final leg though.

I should have remembered that my pace drops due to wind and hills on the westbound portion of the ride and gone into it carrying a better time to meet my goal. Maybe held back too much.

Nothing.

I was strong mile 1-6, but started to feel a fade at mile 7. Miles 8-13, I walked through every aid station and got 2 waters, one to dring and one for my head. I also drank 75% of all of my fluids in my fuel belt. I was dragging on the final 2 miles and hit 1 big hill. The guy next to me and I both walked the last 50 yrds of it. I took off and I heard him follow. He let me stay ahead of him until the final 100 yards and then he did the sprint thing. Had my 2 girls waiting for me with "go dad" signs and they both ran the finish with me.

Train harder.