Mass starts are exciting all right but are not designed for the average age grouper to really excel. Half the first lap was just battling with others. I positioned myself initially well behind the ski ramp but found I was pushed left and forward as more swimmers entered the water-not where I wanted to be. The second lap was much better and I was able to find a good rythm.

Either improve swimming to the point I feel comfortable at the front of the pack (not likely) or make sure to stay wide on the course

After the long run to the changing area, I immediately turned on my forerunner 350, put on the chest strap and ditched my dry suit, cap and goggles. On the way out hit the porta-jphn while carrying my cycling shoes to bike, ran in socks and of course had sand and crud accumulate within socks, didn't seem to be an issue though. Exiting T1 presented no difficulty.

Just move more quickly, I thought I already was!

Started out with a very easy effort to work into the course and transition muscles. The first loop was at an easy to moderate effort, second loop was a moderate effort. Made sure to keep HR in the 2-3 range on hills though a couple of times it red lined. Flats were usually in the 1-2 range. It was fantastic to see "Tour Style" fans on the hills! Cassette choice of 12-26 was perfect for me on this course at my current conditioning. Finished one water bottle every aid station, Powerbar gels about every 20 min, some bananas, one Powerbar at about hour 1.5 and 1 at about hour 4. Some adductor cramping at about mile 95 but was able to work it out. I was suprised at how crowded it was the first part of the course, overheard someone remark about how different it seemed from previous years.


Nothing

Very smooth transition, bike handler was great and volunteer in changing room also super!

Nothing but continue more quickly

In a way a very disappointing run as my goal was 4 hours. On the flip side of the coin I knew I wasn't ready for 26 miles. Mid July I developed piriformis issues that persisted until race day. I didn't run for about 6 weeks and then was only able to do 4-7 miles/workout in the 2-3 weeks prior to racing. Strangely enough, it wasn't piriformis issues race day, it was simply conditioning. I experinced hamstring and calf cramping and walked quite a bit especially the second loop. And same as at CDA '09, slight nausea issues were a problem. Not sure why. I took in plenty of water/powergel, chips/pretzes, some coke. (peed 3x over the dayincluding once during the run)Nonetheless, I enjoyed every step and was satified that I finished. And once again the fans were tops! Saw my brother and our wives multiple times during both bike and run!

Use more caution with training plan. Too many speed workouts per week in both bike and run combined with too quick increase in mileage. (maybe good plan for someone half my age?!) Also consult coach and/or nutritionist regarding reasons for nausea.

Are you kidding? Just get me a chair!!


Overuse injury, nutrition(?) both during run.


Even with my injury I'm psyched about being registered for 2011 and adjust both training and nutrition plans to meet my goals!