The swim start was a time trial start. We went off 4 at a time, every 10 seconds. I wasn't sure I would like this format, but it wasn't so bad. It just took longer to start everyone. The reason for the TT start is because the start area was a narrow boat ramp. Although, I think they could have done a deep water wave start like at Prairie Man.

Swimming out to the turn bouy was pleasant and fast. The wind was at our feet. I passed many slower swimmers. The leg back in was a bit rougher. The wind was in our face and this caused lots of chop and waves. Not too bad, but just enough to get a mouth full of water every now and then. My biggest problem, as usual, was fogging goggles. Twice I had to stop and clear my goggles. Other than that it was good swim.

Swim harder.

There was a long run from the swim exit to T1. We had to bag up our wetsuits into our equipment bag before leaving T1. Our equipment bags were going to be picked up and transported back to the finish area. This was a good transition even though it seems long.

Nothing

I got into my shoes easily and headed out. The first 5 miles or so were up a slight grade and the wind was a cross/headwind. This was a relatively slow ride. After turning left on S Hampton, the wind became a tail wind and the fun began. From S Hampton all the way to T2 was tail wind and rolling hills. This course definitely was not flat. It's typical north Texas rolling hills. The road conditions were rough in a few spots but overall I thought the course was a lot of fun.

I rode at my LTHR for most of the time, except when going downhill. My average HR of 158 is ~5 beats below LTHR. So, I rode about as hard as I could for this course. I was passed by only 4 athletes and I passed many.

The view of the Dallas sky line as we biked over the viaduct was spectacular. I'm sure that made a good impression on some of the out-of-towners.

Maybe ride harder.

I got lost in transition. When I set up T2, I made mental notes about where my spot was, passed the tree, red & white flags. I completely got turned around, passed up my spot and had to double back. I probably lost a minute here.

Before getting to T2 on the bike, start reviewin in my mind where my spot is located. I didn't do that and it cost me.

I got into the run easily. My legs felt fine. On the run out of T2, I saw Aaron directing run traffic. I hit the mile 1 marker in 7:50. That was right on pace. After that I couldn't find anymore mile markers. A friend told me the mile 2 marker was on the side of a building. After missing the mile 2 marker I just ran. I planned to run the 2nd loop harder than the first. A wierd thing was happening. I couldn't get my HR up to LTHR (~170). My HR stayed in the range from 160 - 165. My RPE felt hard, but my HR wasn't very high. Anyway, ignored all that (pace and HR) and just ran on RPE.

On the second loop I was passed by a guy running slightly faster than me. I got on his heels and let him pace me. Then a guy passed both of us and we both got on this heels. Then a 4th guy passed and we all got on his heels. For about 2 miles we ran, the four of us in a tight line formation. This worked out well becuase the straight away leading to the turn toward the finish was into a headwind. It was fun to run this way. About 1/2 mile from the finish our line fell apart. The guy leading pulled away and I fell back. I rounded the turn to the finish line and saw Craig directing run traffic. I also saw David (dgillen) at a couple points on the run course.

I was sprinting into the finish chute, but was passed at the finish line by a guy in my AG! That knocked me out of the top 10 (for whatever that's worth). He beat me by 10 seconds. I should have looked over my shoulder as I was approaching the finish.

Nothing.

Walked around, drank water. The voulunteers were handing out US Open towels soaked in ice water. That was great. I got a massage at the Texas Triple Threat tent. That felt great and prevented any soreness. I wasn't sore at all the next day.

Sat with David in the grass and watched the pros recieve their awards. Greg Bennett won $420,000. $60,000 for 1st place at the US Open, $60,000 for winning the points competition and $300,000 bounus for winning all 5 Lifetime Fitness races. That's a pay day.


Training specificity. Most of my training this year has been for long course - HIMs. One year I would like to race nothing but Olympic distance and see how fast I could become.


Great event. Well organized. Lots of volunteers. Lots of traffic control and police on the bike course. Great post race party. This event compares to the NAS and WTC events.