Week 3?

Tough week. I missed the two mid day bike and swim workouts. January I have to lock it down a lot better. I can't miss all these workouts. My swim is definitely better than where I was last year at this time, but still a long way to go. Bike - I thought I was in a better place than I actually am. I am averageing around 160 watts for a HR of 140. Its good that I can keep my HR up, but need more strength. Run- Lacking top end speed,but form is solid and feel strong. Weights - I believe I have PR'd with my legs.

Week 1

Feeling pretty good in comparision to where I was last year at this time. Swim - I have gone backwards since August, but just need to focus. Stroke is better than LY, but lack endurance. Bike - Way better than where I was LY. Still need to get stronger. Run - High end speed might be lower, but distance running is way stronger. Weights - Need to work on along with abs.

Baystate

Heading into Baystate I was pretty nerous about how the day was going to go. I hadn't completed 100% of my training for the 2-3 weeks prior and was really questioning the plan. I hadn't run more than 13.1 in 9 months and more than 15 miles in two years. I rode my bike a lot this year, but not so much that I felt confident. I filled out a couple "race predicting calculators" and found that my target time would be around 3:08. So I made this my goal, but needed a 3:10 to qualify. All morning my stomache was a mess. I slept ok and at my normal prerace meal, but I was in trouble. Pre race I chatted with Kate and my Mother and just couldnt shake the gut rot. I did my warm up run with Tim and before I knew it, I was running a marathon. At mile 1, I vividly remember thinking, "I am so F-ed." I felt ridiculously tight and my stomache was a mess. I had a roughly 1,000 people in front of me and my goal pace of 7:08 felt like a 5:08. To put it simply, I was in a really bad place. Miles 2-9 I didnt say a word to anyone and kept my head down. I just kept thinking, "get to mile 13, get to mile 13" I have no idea what the plan was once I got to 13, but it sounded better then "get to mile 7". Mile 10 - My stomach was still off, but not horrible. Fortunatly my legs felt fine. It was at this point that I realized in the last 3 miles I had passed about 50 people and no one had passed me. A little, (very little) boost of confidence. Mile 13 - My legs felt really solid and looking at the clock, I had created a 2 min "buffer" for my Boston Qualifying time. Its a little weird, but once I got to the halfway point my stomache went away and I was ready to run. Miles 13-20 I ran at aa 7 minute pace and felt really good. Of course really good at mile 20 in a marathon is all relative. I was definitely in pain, but the positive feedback from my watch out weighed everything else. Mile 20 - Because of my stomache issue earlier, I drank a ton of fluids the first 13 miles to try and keep my stomache temperature down. It seemed to help my stomache, but I was now encountering an new issue, I REALLY had to pee. I waited as long as I could and at mile 20 I found a tree and went for it. After what felt like 10 minutes, I started to run again. My legs were a bit tight from stopping, but overall still felt good. 20 - 26.2 For some reason, I decided to push it a little and see how my body reacted. I started to run at a 6:50 pace and passed A LOT of people. Great support by other runners and the crowd made the pain that much more tolerable. There were quite a few people who were now walking and I couldn't help but think of how I felt in 2010 when I did the same thing. I crossed the line at 3:06 and had grabbed my Boston spot. It wasn't until I started to walk that I realized how shattered my legs were. The race had gone well and I had given it everything I had. Definitely one of my better race days. A short while later Kate came FLYING down the road. Even after 26 miles her gait was perfect and she looked amazing! It was a pretty emotional moment once she crossed the line. 16 months ago she gave birth to our son, but in process she had severely damaged her femeral nerve. We didn't know if she would ever walk again, but like everything Kate does, she took it head on and overcome the challenge She ran a 3:39. Kate's goal was to run strong, but not have any real time goal. She missed Boston by less than 5 minutes! You hear of inspiring stories, I can say I live with one.

Pumpkinman race report

So my goa was at 4:29:XX and I ended up coming in at 4:35:XX. The prediction was a stretch goal and a more realisitic goal was 4:39:XX. I am estatic with my time. I can honestly say that I left nothing out on the course. I beat last years time by 16 minutes! Unreal! Pre race - I didn't sleep all that well and really didn't feel all that good going in. I was sandbagging, but just felt nervous about racing well. My prerace meal was fine and had my typical THREE trips to the bathroom. (Not enjoying that) Pre race swim - I got in the water really early and thought it was actually too soon, but worked out fine. Swim - I started to feel jacked up for the swim,in the good way. The wave went off and I picked a pretty good seam. I have been sighting better this year and it has paid off. For the most part I swam on someones feet and had a solid swim. I knew it had gone well and thought I was going to PR. I ended up coming out at 33 minutes. Pretty much what I get at every race now. The good thing was a I only had one minor cramp in my calf, so felt pretty good heading up that stupid big hill! Swim 33:31 Div 9th OA69th Hill - I pegged off a bunch of people and actualy won my AG. I really didn't try to do this,it just happened. Div 1st OA 15h Bike - I hopped on the bike and felt pretty good. I was breathing heavy and my HR wasa bit jacked. My power was a bit spikey, but I was passing a bunch of people. I believe 2 or 3 riders passed me. I was pushing a little too hard to stay with them, so I let them go around 20 miles in. Overall I felt pretty good and was constatnly doing the math to try and figure out where I was going to come in at. I kept going back and fourth with one rider up until mile 45(ish). I passed him and said time to drop the hammer. I thought he was going to go with me, but I never saw him again. I was really moving. Several stronger riders were a bit taken back when I passed them. A huge improvement has been the back half of the bike. My endurance has been really strong. At this point I had no idea where Shaun was. I actually thought I might be ahead of him. As I pulled into transition I saw him running out. He pushes hard on the bike, so I was psyched to see him. Bike 2:28:XX AG 5th OA 28th Power 190 - Right on Goal! Run - I didn't feel great once I started to run. Shawn was about a minute ahead of me and for the first 2 miles we scorched low 6 minute miles. I caught him at mile 3 and we chatted for a bit. He thought he was in 1st place and that I had just taken the lead. We ran in stride and then I kicked hard to pull away. I caught one of the guys that passed me on the bike at mile 1 as well. Huge confidence boost. I was having a good day, but I didn't take in enough fluids and gels on the bike. I was running strong, but really feeling it. I took in a couple blocks and gatorade to spike my sugar. I was definitely fading around mile 10. It was at that point I knew I still could go sub 130 on the run. I sucked it up and pushed hard. The sugar from the blocks kicked in and I started to hammer. I was sideways the last 2 miles. Ton of pain, but the 130 goal was screaming at me. I ended up coming in at 1:30:19. The only thing I might have done better to help me get there would have been better nutrition on the bike and run. I wasn't terrible by any means,but there was 19 seconds hanging out there. All that said, I am psyched with that run! I was only passed by one runner the entire time, so something to be proud of. Run 1:30:19 AG 5th OA 24th Overall great day. I will continue to pursue the sub 4:30 goal and have to believe it will happen next year.

Pumpkinman time prediction

Swim 32 - I think I can do this despite not swimming much. Should be easier to sight and I plan on going hard. T1 - 3 min Bike 2:26 - I should be at least 5 minutes faster than at Timberman. Its 1 mile shorter and a lot faster. T2 - 1min Run 1:28 - Gotta go hard and stay tough. Plan on going out at 6:35 and sticking with it. Total time 4:30 VERY AGGRESSIVE, but can be done! Need to stay tough on the run and keep my power in check on the bike. At mile 28 I will decided to go harder if I have it in me. Goal wattage 190 for first half, 195 back half.

5 days out from Pumpkinman

I have drank WAY too much coffee and feeling a bit anxious. Labor Day weekend was a great time with family and friends. I didnt obsess too much over training or eating. I actually ate pretty bad and was nervous to get on the scale... Weight 154 Overall condition - I feel pretty solid. My neck/shoulder is kind of a mess, but confident that I will be fine on race day. YMCA is closed, so no swimming last two weeks. Not ideal, but I've hammered my bike and running. Next up, time prediction....

Timberman Race Report

I haven't written a race report in a while, but think this will be helpful for future races. The week leading in I felt lethargic and a bit cranky. It was tough for me to sit back and relax. I watched my diet and just crawled through the week. Saturday - I pretty much nailed my "day before" nutrition. I started this before Eagleman and it worked really well. Saturday night I actually slept well and was out by 930. Sunday 3am - I had been up since 2 am just kind of laying there. Nervous stomache, but felt pretty good. Espresso,apple sauce, etc. 445am/7am- Get to transition. Three trips to bathroom, not fun. Nerves started to kick in from sitting around so long. The pros go off and Shaun and I warm up for 15 minutes or so. I watched a couple waves go off and figure out where I want to start. 3rd row, inside. I am basically going to try and use MC's feet for as long as possible. 745am - Our wave goes off. I swim the inside and lose the front group right away. I am sighting well and feeling pretty good. The first turn I make it without any real problem. Bouys feel like they are all over the place. I am still sighting well and working off peoples feet. I swim behind a couple athletes for a while and then move on. At the 2/3rds point I think I see MC. I know I am having a decent swim and that just reconfirms it for me. A couple times I get log jammed between two people. Not a big deal, but still annoying. My right calf does cramp up a bit, but it goes away withing 30 seconds or so. Get out of the water and feeling good. Swim 33:19 Rank 24th in AG - Happy with this. Swam to my ability. Transition - Very smooth and fast Bike - I start on my nutrition and keep my power in check. MY HR is VERY high, so that makes me a touch nervous. There are people everywhere. Starting in the second to last wave stinks. I basically just stay towards the left and try and pass everyone. I see lots of guys surging the first 12 miles and its hard to let them go. I know that I will benefit from patience and stick to my plan. I get through the majority of the climing and start out in the fast section. There seems to be a tailwind and I am moving along at a decent clip. Pretty uneventful until the turn around. At mile 28 I averaging 189 watts. (Goal is 190) I know I have paced well and hit the lap button. There seems to be a slight headwind on the way back, but really not that noticeable. Its actually a bit boring until mile 35. I start to struggle a bit, but I am passing a lot of riders. I get passed by one younger rider which helps me refocus. There are 4 of us that are working hard and it brings me back fairly strong. One of the riders is a draft pig. He makes everyone surge and is just an idiot. I actually mentioned it to antoher guy in my AG who also rode a Guru. He too was sick of it.We get to a hill and finally drop him. Super annoying. The decents back in are fast and sketchy. I lose a couple seconds playing it safe, but since my crash, I want no part of it. The last couple miles I feel really stronger and I am psyched to get on the run. Heading into transition I hear my name. I also look ahead and see MC. I know he poured it out, so the fact I feel strong and only a little behind him really makes me feel confident. Bike - 2:32:58 Goal was 2:33 and 190 watts. Exactly on goal. Transition I chat with MC and ask how he is doing. I tell him lets blow the roof off this F-er! I was jacked up!! Run - MC was on the run about 20 seconds before me. I see Kate and she is cheering me on to go get him!!! After a couple minutes I am with MC and another guy in our AG. I feel pretty good, but not awesome. We run a 6:40 for the first mile. The guy in our AG starts to pull away,so I go with him. MC and I never really say anything, but I take off. I am not sure how the day is going to go, but overall I feel pretty good. I am hitting every aid station and nailing my plan. It was pretty uneventful for the first 6 miles. I see Kate and Tony again and I feel good. It really is so motivating to see Kate when I race. It helps me dig deeper. I never want to pressure her to be there, but it is so nice. It breaks down the day. At mile 7 I caught up with a stronger runner in the 35-39 AG. I ask him how he is doing and we chat for a second. I tell him I am nervous to see what happens the next couple of miles, but push on. At this point I know my day is going to be awesome. I try to push it a bit harder, but my body rejects it. So I pretty much play it safe. Mile 9 - I hear footsteps and without looking I say, "You better not be in my AG" (kidding of course) It was a younger guy and we introduce each other. We were running at 630s and I told him I was going to blow up if I didn't slow down. He peeled off and I told him good luck. Roughly 2 minutes later one of the 4 guys I was riding with earlier caught me. I looked over and said, "I was wondering where you were" He laughed and we moved down the road at a blistering pace. At this point I passed the younger guy who I had just been running with. He gives me a look of, WTF? I point to the guy in my AG and he yells, "CRUSH HIM!!" (Or something like that) Pretty cool how I had just met this guy and he is now cheering me on. Really cool. I run with the guy for as long as I can, but know he has me. I wasn't going to just give it to him, but he had me. I let him pull away in fear of blowing up and losing more positions. Once I regroup I rev it up again and throw it down as hard as I can. A LOT of people see that I am tearing myself apart and cheer me on. Really encouraging. I make it to the shoot, see Kate and throw it down. The crowd is really behind me for running so strong. I feel awful, but amazing at the same time. Run 1:32:03. Right on goal! The guy who beat me comes over and shakes my hand. He thanks me for pushing him. I love it. So much mutual respect. Overall I am estatic with my performance. It was my "breakout" triathlon. I am really excited for what the future is going to bring. Getting on the podium is going to be a realitiy in the VERY near future. Everything is looking bright and positive!

Timberman time prediction

Alright... Lets try this again and actually nail it this time. Swim 33 minutes - I know I am a better swim, so should be a lock. Bike 2:30 (22.5 miles an hour) Very doable. 190 watts should get me there. Run 1:32 = TOUGH, but again doable. Need to lock in my pace early.. 4:39 = Holy crap. Everything has to go perfect.

misleading title

I have completely come to grips with how hard a 4:25 is. I thought it was much easier than it really is. Essentially I not only need everthing to be perfect, I need to be a different athlete. I believe it is possible,just not there yet. Swim - 30 Bike - 2:23 Run - 1:27 That is F'ing hard! New goal is 4:39 Swimm - 33 Bike 2:27 Run 1:35 Still REALLY hard, but absolutely possible.

Its all about the bike

I have finally come to the realization that I must ride more. A lot more. My durability to get of the bike and run strong hasn't been there. I had hoped to be able to move to the next level this year, but this is another building year. The gains will happen, but I need more base. Even after two IMs, I now realize I'm still not there. Cutting rides short and skipping them have happened way to many times in the past. I feel pretty good about this year, but still room for improvement. The next three weeks are going to be the deciding factors on what kind of athlete I am. I know the potential is there, I just need to dig it out. Some positve feedback from Timerman will go a long way. I am strong runner, no question. But I cannot use that strenght unless I build the bike base. I need to put in 300 miles in the next two weeks. Crazy, but a must. I won't to head in to Timmberman as strong as possible on the bike. If I can get off the bike fresh, I can pull myself a strong run even with a smaller run base. RIDE BIG!

400 TT 6;33

I believe this is a PR. I am really happy and someday I will get it down to a straight 6. I was tired, but not too crazy. Breathing was a bit off, but until I master flip turns that is going to happen.

Eagleman prediction

swim 33 min Trans 1 2 min Bike 2:23 Trans 2 1 min Run 1:28 4:31 prediction time. Swim - can be a huge variance, but I am thinkng 33 minutes. Better swimmer this year, but no wetsuit.

First race of the year confusion

I know I am in a good place, but the doubts creep in from time to time. Pretty standard for my first race of the year. I am glad I have a bunch of 3 hour plus rides under my belt and my run has to be stronger. Not running long has me a bit nervous, but not too bad. My longest run is 1 hour. The good thing is that I have really long bricks logged. Last year I would get a 15 min brick run one day and a 1.5 hour run the next day. Now I am running 40 min bricks and 50-60min run the following day. I would say I am actually running more distance, just spread out. According to WKO I am in better shape now than I was for Timberman. Hard for me to believe seeing how it is May. That was by far my best race, so I am pretty psyched to be where I am at. My weight has creeped up to 154.4, so I am little bummed about that. Not sure how much more I could lose though. Muscle mass is weight up in my legs. So the extra pound could just be from that.

Weight 153.3

I got down around 152 for a couple weeks, but shot back up to 153.3. I need to start cutting back on calories at night and that should take care of any extra weight.

Zone 1 on bike 190 watts!

I thought maybe my powertap was off, but I am prety sure it is accurate. Huge breakthrough for me. I've never pushed those kind of watts and felt comfortable. Not sure what my target watts will be yet, but I am thinking 200?! Pretty exciting!

800s at 13:50

Really solid swim today, definitely a PR. I had a huge flaw with my left arm that I have been addressing. It is by no means perfect, but getting considerably better. I need to look back and see past times, but pretty sure it will be closer to 15 min. My average for 100s is no 1:45 and it was closer to 1:55 a year ago. Not sure what the swim will bring at Eagleman, but I do believe that if I can wear a wetsuit there is no question a 32 or less is possible.

Weekend went really well

The training continues to go well. I smashed last weekends workouts and I am in a recovery week now. I haven't gone quite as long on the weekend bikes as I should, but need to comprimise. All of the running seems to be be strong. This weekends road race should put everything in perspective. Swim - No question I am faster right now than I have ever been. So pumped to be able to put that down.

Feeling tired, but good

Last weekends workouts and Tuesday force workouts have me dragging a bit. Swam today and feeling better, should be ready to rock again tomorrow. Long(er) weekend coming up, but then I have a recovery week. Looking forward to getting a rest, but want to kill the rest of this weeks workouts!

Tough week

Mentally and physically I've been a bit drained this week. The half marathon kicked my ass and I struggled to get all the workouts in. In addition to that work has been crazy stressful. I have a 3 hour ride tomorrow and a 30 min run. Should be a very good endurance test. I am looking forward to getting out and riding that long this year. Going to work on control and some nutrition.

Great Bay Half - I did it!!

I knew the 1:22 was a stretch, but I F-ing did it. So psyched. I actually thought I was going to pull off a top 10, but still so happy with my overall. I was borderline emotional.

I started off with a quick 6 min mile for the first and then settled into 6:15 to 6:20s for the first five miles. I almost blew myself up around mile 6, but then settled in. A HUGE blister on my foot split open and it REALLY freaking hurt. I wasn't able to take advantages of the downhills because of the pain. At mile 10, I started doing the math and knew a 1:22 or 1:23 was possible.

I was a little nervous I went to hard, but I still felt pretty strong. The finish was so awesome. Nice crowd and I could see the finish line. I had to kick it in to break the 1:23 mark was able to do so. 1:22:53. Unreal!

This is a huge confidence booster for me. I truly believe I will be able to run sub 1:20 and move to the next level. To say I am estatic is an understatement. I have never felt more that hard work pays off. This is a true example and I will take this with me in all aspects of my life.

Great Bay Half prediction...

1:22 - Whoa, that is going to be tough.

Awesome week

I nailed all my workouts this week. I definitely feel the difference between this year and last year on the bike. The "trainer" sessions are paying off and not quite as tough.

I've been really pleased with my brick workouts as well. My run times have been around 7-7:10. I do feel like I am working, but nothing crazy.

Swim - I really feel that my form is coming around. I am working a little harder to correct my low cadence issue, but that will equate to a faster swim time.

400 TT 6:39

Not sure if this is a PR, but I think it might be. So pumped to be swimming at a higher level.

1st week with QT2

Today I am feeling pretty tired and excited to have a rest day. I have a core workout and a quick swim later, so no big deal. I am really excited with the past week and the volume.

Mon - Fri, I nailed all the workouts. The Sat long bike on the trainer was tough, but I was really pumped to get it done. Power was solid and overall just a strong showing. Hopefuly next Sat I will be able to get outside, but if not I'll step it up again. I actually think they will get easier in time.

Sunday - The hour recovery on the bike was a bit tough. Lack of focus and just not feeling it. Legs did feel better once I was done though. The 45 min run was a big step up. I was tired, but didn't have to dig deep to get it done. I ran off HR and actually cruised at a 710 pace. (includes a 7:40 warm up mile). I definitely feel lighter and my form seems to be on point. HR vs speed is promising as well.

Feb 2011 vs Feb 2012

Feb 2011
Total 16.5hrs

Swim 2hr
Bike 6.5 hr
Run 7hr
Strenght 1.5hr


Feb 2012
Total 26hrs

swim 4hr
Bike 12hr
Run 9hr
Strength 1hr

Torched

I wrote the last blog update about 6 hours ago and felt pretty good when I updated. Its 630pm and I am ready for bed. Hamstrings are shot! I think the hard bike intervals followed by a tough run caught up with me.

This will pay off!

Solid week

Coming off the Hampton Half I was a bit tired/tight, so I eased into the week. Monday I rode for a slice over an hour. Very cold and legs were burnt, but liked flushing the legs. I went for a run on Tuesday and felt good. Not fast, but I was pleased how my legs were responding.

On wed I snuck outside for another ride on the road bike.. Temperature was really nice. I did 3 x 5 minutes with an avg of 210 watts each interval.

Thusday was a much needed off day.

Friday intervals on the trainer. 5 x 3 at 230 watts. All in aero position. Crushing and EXTREMELY hard, but accomplished.

Saturday - 11.5 miles at 7:20 pace. Legs felt pretty good besides my hamstrings were really tight from the Friday run.

Sunday - 2 hours planned on trainer. Need to get up at 5am again to do this work.

3 swims this week. They were short, but speed is coming.

Overall very pleased with the week. I am starting to do some harder workouts, but I think the base is pretty solid. Weight was 152/153. If power continues to rise and I get down to around 148, I will be really psyched.

Sick, Hampton half

After battling flu/cold for two weeks I finally feel better. A little congested still, but overall solid.

Swim - I missed two weeks of swimming and have done to short swims since. Overall feel faster in the water, but need to work on comfort and breathing. I am increasing my cadence and therefore I am working harder. No question heading in the right direction

Bike - Tough to say. I have done two rides outside and neither felt good. My FTP power is up, but endurance leaves a little too be desired. Two hour outdoor ride was poor for avg watts. Need to keep buiding the base and creep up the avg watts for longer rides

Run - I am pretty psyched with my run. I ran the hampton half at 1:27 and felt really solid. Last two miles were a 6:10 and 5:59 Pretty solid. I really want to go after the great bay half. Is a 1:25 possible? Yes! I might bike the day before, but still possible. I'd like to start running at 7min pace for all longer runs (10+ miles)

I do feel like my goal is daunting, but very attainable. Need to figure out some goals for the short term. ie; FTP of 240 in the aero bars. 10 miles at 7 minute pace. Swim a 400 in 6:20.

Long trainer rides, good swims about to kick up the run

I have nailed my last two or three long trainer rides. They are by no means easy, but I am able to push a decent power average for 1.5 hours. I have found that my warm up needs to be at least 15 minutes. My power goes up as the time goes on.

I have been nailing my swim workouts as well. Feeling stronger and form is coming together. The swim book seems to be working. Its not nearly as boring and I don't drag my feet to get to the pool. All good stuff.

I ran my first inteval and it was ok. I definitely felt like I was working hard, but I got it done. It will take me a couple weeks to get it down, but I am extremely focused and will continue to grow.

2500 meters, yawn....

I don't know if I swam 2500 meters in 2011 at all. It kicked my ass! I was supposed do to 2800, but the 300 meters I missed were kick drills. I was in the water for 59 minutes, so there was no way I was going to make it. I will revisit this workout in a month or so to see if I can pull it off.

I am really tired from the workout, but feel great about the day. I know my swim will get better, but I will also have the benefit of overall endurance/health.

Weighing in a 155.5 and overall outlook

Really tough week last week. I caught a 48 hour cold that slowed me down quite a bit. Missed 3 workouts, but not overly concerned. I did miss my endurance ride which isn't a good thing, but if it has to happen I'd rather it happen in Jan.

The weights have been kicking my butt. My run on Sat after my weights on Fri was brutal. I started fine, but really fatigued around mile 7 or 8. Last 3 miles were run at almost 8 minute mile. YIKES.

Lifing and swimming on Sunday destroyed any idea of riding for an hour or so.

Looking forward, this week should be a good week. Need to make sure I get in all the workouts. Some treadmill time is going to be required, which is challenging, but necassary.

I am pleased with my weight though. I'd like to think that I should lose 5 or 6 pounds by June. If I can keep my power up, that will really pay off on the bike. Need to continue to stay focused and strong.

I started using the swim workout binder and this might be exactly what I need to get to the next level swimming. I really like the layout of the plans and I shouldn't have much of an issue sticking to the plan.

Hampton Half goal 1:26:00

I am a little tired but, no real big issue. I am noticing that my long runs are tough, so need to focus a little more on those. I'd like to get a 1:26 at the Hampton Halfs. I think that is a possibility, but will be tough. All my workouts my legs are a little tired from weight and pushing big gears on the bike. With the casdence work and seeing how I am almost 8lbs lighter from last year, I should improve by a couple minutes.

Jan weigh in

I am 156lbs right now and pretty happy with that. I'd really like to get down to 150lbs for Eagleman. Should be possible. Eating habits are pretty good and overall feeling fit.

My weight this time last year was around 164.

That swim suuuuckkkkeeeeddd

18 min. WTF. Tired, cranky and actling like a little.... This goes down as a loss.

New Years 5K - Ugh 18:29 6th overall

Man that hurt. I ran to the race, ran the actual race and then ran home. So I was able to get in 7.5 miles. I am more happy about that than the actual race. I knew that I was going to have a tough day. I was feeling NYE and some bad pulled pork. (gag reflex just happened).

Even though I was pretty slow, I am still pleased with how I ran. I haven't done any speed work, but I believe the weights and the "form" work is paying off.

I paced fine, but didn't have my final kick I rely on. I was passed with about a 3rd of a mile left. I didn't answer at all. I knew mentally I was done.

I don't believe there was any other triathletes up front, so I'll take it.