This was my first true longer OWS, so I was of the mind set of just feel it out as I go. After jogging a bit in the shallows, I figured it would be easier to dolphin dive, then just swim....good idea! I got started fairly easy, stretching it out a bit and trying to establish a nice cadence. Out to the first buoy, to the left, to the right, and straight away. To my amazement, I was swimming straight, as I figured the waves would push a bit. My sighting was spot on, so I got comfortable really quick. So a nice 6 stroke cadence followed by a sight stroke (for the most part). I knew I was pacing well, I felt strong, but really had very little idea on time, as I'm not into comparing pool times to OWS. One minor issue though. Swim cap colors: Some were yellow, which were easily mistaken for the end bouy. So...turned the end bouy and headed back. The wind was assisting a bit at this point, and into the beach we went. I looked at my watch and saw a great time...so off to a good start.

Time to upgrade the goggle situation. Two years may be too long, and there is a moderate fogging issue. Otherwise, no changes, perhaps consider backing down a bit on longer races.

A typical vacation transition for me...nothing new. This race calls for a longer run from water to T1, so I knew the time would be long. Outside of my waterbottle top coming loose, thus dumping in my bike shoe, really can't complain.

Continue to work on my transition set up, and practice practice practice. Not a podium guy, so I'm not going to lose sleep on this.

As usual, Elkhart's bike course kicked my butt. I swear, the imported new hills. All and all, I know my biking is going the right direction, but I'm still a bit disappointed with the overall time. The hills just seem to wipe me out half way up them. The corners are a concern as well, as I seem to have to slow down so much, then hopefully be geared right to accelerate coming out of them. I just don't feel comfortable at this point. BUT...the general flats, minor inclines and declines felt great, aero felt good, same with the drops. One of the hills while ascending, a biker about 5 lengths ahead of me struggled and fell...still clipped in. With a group coming up on my left, I had one option...unclip and jump off. But, now that more or less left me one option..walk the rest of the hill. Whatcha gonna do. Otherwise fought the wind the rest of the way and made it back. Thank you aerobottle for a successful trip! I'm not sure why people don't use these...talk about convenient sipping. Hmm, I wonder if a nasty bloody in there would be a good idea?!?

Work on cornering and hills

Nothing special here....EXCEPT.... for my less than graceful trip/fall coming out of the transition area, by the path and water table where a carpet was placed over the ledge of the path. So....yeah.....it was graceful to say the least...total yard sale.

And yet again Elkhart's hills crush me. You know, I really thought my running had improved, and I guess it has overall, but I was doubting myself for the first three miles. The first mile is flat, then some lollipops there after. I discovered immediately I need to focus on bricks more, as the first three miles were a struggle to get my legs under me. Once I hit about 3.5, yeah, I was settling in and actually finished in a nice cadence, which is what I was hoping to feel throughout. Fun course given the location, but tough with the multiple hills. I do enjoy the final 1.5 mile though as it's essentially downhill to flat all the way in, so you can really 'bring it home'.

Need more brick w/o's

The finish was uneventful, as I crossed the finish line, and actually helped the volunteers get gatorade containers lined up as they were reloading. Hey...I was there and they needed a hand, what can I say. I grabbed some water and heading to transition to pack up my things and head home.


I'm not sure there was anything limiting me, outside of overall fitness. I enjoyed the course, and I almost consider this course a game of golf. 'I hate the game, but can't wait for that next great shot'.


I won't be back next year, as I'm taking you off in preparation of what I hope to be my ultimate goal...IMOO. Well, at least that's the plan for now. Thanks Elkhart for another donkey whoopin'! Gotta love it though!