I was in the 10th swim wave to start, so it was around 8:10-8:15 am when I actually started. The air temp was already in the 80s. This made me a little nervous waiting around so long.

Once I finally started, the first 200-300 yards was a little crowded and I was not comfortable at all. I actual questioned my ability to do the race. But then I reminded myself to go bouy to bouy and just relax. After the 3rd bouy I was into a groove and feeling much better. but any time I tried to draft, I either was too close or the other person and I ended up swimming in different directions. The first 5 bouys were easy to sight but then after the turn, my sighting went out the window. It didn't help that the caps for my wave were the same dayglow orange as the bouys. It also felt like a bit of current against us on the perpendicular leg. The last leg into the shore was easier, but the boat ramp exit was a little tight with piers on either side.

Overall, it seemed like everyones times were a little slow for this swim, so I guess I don't feel too bad. I also came out of the water feeling good and ready to ride. (Other than a headache, which I attribute to the lack of caffeine for 3 days)

Work on sighting and drafting. Realize that the first 200-500 yards are always going to be nerve racking and not to get too upset and question my own ability.

I ran from swim exit to transition while removing cap/goggles and then unzipping wetsuit. Took rest of wetsuit off at bike. took extra time to reapply sunscreen. put on socks, shoes, helmet, glasses and gloves. and did a double check of bike for everything. then ran out of transition with bike. mounted at mount line without problem.

felt like i could have gone 30sec-1min faster, but wanted to be sure I was not forgetting anything.

Started bike and immediately took 2 tylenol for the headache. Focused on keeping cad up and getting hydrated/nutrition during the first 10 miles. Then worked keeping a good pace during the headwinds. I think all the training in the new england winds paid off. I was able to pass quite a few during gusts. But around 26, my lower back began to hurt so I would stretch out of the saddle then return to aero. (I think this is due to the fact that I have not done a swim then run work out. - something to work on). Able to spend the last 5 miles at 95 cad preparing legs for run.

Drank 4 large bottle gu2o, 2 gus, 2 clifshots, 3 endurolyte tabs

Overall I felt really comfortable on the bike.

Need to do some weight training for the back and drink my 1 cup of coffee on race day.

Felt good but once again took time to reapply sunscreen, changed socks to dry pair, drank some h2o, put on hat/shoes and the run out of transition.

nothing really, too hot to go without sunscreen.

Hot as He**! I knew I would have to keep myself in check and reduce my pace. I carried a water bottle - which was the best decision i made all day. My game plan was to run to every waterstop and then take 2 glasses of h2o to dump on head. Take 1 glass ice and add it to water bottle or put in down my shirt. worked real well!! Then when the bottle started to get low, took 1 gatorade and 1 water and mixed into bottle. Worked real well. At mile 5 decided to have a drink of coke, tasted great. So changed game plan to drink a coke at every other stop as a reward for running except for water stops. Felt really strong and well hydrated. But at around mile 10.5 had a weird eye issue so I stopped to walk and tried to drink more. Walked about .25 to .5 mile. Eye issue resolved itself so I continued to run. Sprinted the last .1. Finished strong.

Race in a cooler climate. I stock with my strategy and adjusted as need be. Bring endurolyte tabs on run (i forgot then at the transition)

Walked around, cheered on other finishers, waited and cheer all of friends and family into their finished


weather


Overall, this was a great race. I way out did what I anticipated to do for the weather and overall goals. I really did well with saying within myself and my own race. I would not let myself calculate any times during the race. On the run, I only looked at my watch at the turn around so I had no idea that I was going to break 6 hours. I finished feeling strong and feel like I will be able to resume training later this week. 708/1434 (Overall), 157/375 (female)

It was so much fun to race with family (husband, sister and brother-in-law) and friends (Brad and Kristin). I really can not wait for the next race and I am even more excited/motivated for training for IM Moo