Trying to find answers. I've never been better prepared leading up to a swim, but I've never swum at such slow pace in a race situation--even when doing the full iron distance.

Maybe the wetsuit was restrictive? I don't know. I realized I was swimming with people whose form was not the greatest. I was even having trouble passing the breast-strokers.

I completed lap 1 in 24 mins. I just thought I'd push it a bit more, but not too much 'cause maybe the course was long. I finished lap 2 in 23 mins.

The course was not long; I just can't find answers to such poor performance. I was expecting to complete the swim in 37-40 mins!

Don't know. RPE was high, so I didn't feel like I was just floating around. Need to figure this one out.

This was a long distance to cover to TA.

Once there, I did OK getting onto my triple-chainring, women-specific-design, turquoise, rented bike with reflectors!

Nothing really.

Out to the bike and I started hammering, maybe because of the disappointing swim. I checked my HR and was in zone 4. My plan was to stay in the bottom of zone 2 for the first half. So I immediately slowed down.

This is the flattest course I've ever ridden! Very little wind, also. Wow, people really slow down when cornering...almost crashed into other riders, twice while cornering.

Saw people drafting more than I expected.

Passed 45km in approx. 1.5 hrs. then picked it up slightly into the high end of zone 2.

Rode a little harder toward the end (low zone 3) and completed the second half in 1:24. Beat my estimated time by approx. 10 minutes.

Coming into transition, the dismount area seemed a bit crowded. Got kicked hard in the hand as I dismounted, which was probably my own fault.

Someone shouted "Go Felix"; I later found out it was Mimi and Cari!

Dropped my pump as I was running toward the bike rack. Biggest TA I've ever seen.

Nothing much.

Beautiful day and place for a run. Was glad that the course had some trail-like parts. Passing the zoo was also a blast.

I did the first lap in 157-160 HR range. Tried to pick it up in the second lap, but got stuck there. Pace never fell off, but didn't really pick up either.

I wanted to go somewhere between 2:05 to 2:10, but knew I could go under 2hrs if I had an excellent day. That didn't happen, but I'm happy with this run. Absolutely loved the course.

Saw my Mom, Sister and Nephews at the finish line. Waited for Mayde, who came in at 6:15 (a PB!)

Then had the best three beers of my life as a married man, compliments of Mimi. Had fun chatting with Mimi, Cari and foolproof (who stopped by for a few secs).


Training was basically an afterthought for this race as our main focus was getting all the wedding stuff ready (we got married a week earlier).

The taper and, specially, nutrition leading up to the race were a disaster, the exact opposite of what an athlete would want to do.

But still, the race was fun and I reached my goal of going sub-6hrs. It was a good way to start off our honeymoon.

Will someone explain to me what might have happened on the swim?


My first-ever MTB race was held by these people in 2001 or 2002. They've come a long way. This was a very well-organized race.

Nice swim area, easy bike course, outstanding run course!