This was the first time doing a beach type start running into the water. It was kind of cool and i enjoyed the first few dolphin dives. I got into a rhythm and sighted pretty well for the out section. I got onto a pair of feet until we rounded the first swim buoy, but then fell off. Went out a bit too fast. After the turn, sighting was a little more difficult looking into the sun and my goggles began to fog up. I went a little off course and ran into one of the paddle boards. Kept stopping to unfog my goggles.

Maybe try to use some anti-fog goggle spray. Not sure if it works, but it's worth a shot. Also need to do a better job finding feet and sticking with them.

Coming out of the swim, I had trouble getting my wet suit off around my hands. Forgot body glide. Ran down the wrong aisle to find my bike. I knew I was between the tilt-a-whilr and the merry go round, but still messed up.

I should probably have made a better system to find my bike and looked at the transition a little more pre-race.

Going into the course, I was pretty intimidated. I'm not a strong biker and had never rode the course. Just looking at the elevation chart I was worried about the bike. Going into the race, I wanted to take the bike in an easy gear to set up a good run. I broke the race into 3 parts. The first 23 miles (most rolling), a long 7 mile climb from lies 23-30 and the out and back (to mile 40), and then the last 16 rolling miles. At each hill, I made sure to get in a small gear and just spin. This worked pretty well, but got passed by a lot of people. I also was a bit intimidated to go full speed down hills and feathered my breaks. Overall, I was happy with my bike split and my nutrition. I felt like my nutrition was right on (about 3 gels an hour + a bottle of HEED every hour). If I felt any slight crampon for muscle fatigue, I took in a salt tab (took in about 4 total) and that worked miracles. Coming off the bike, I felt great. I was about 10 minutes off my goal bike split, but at least I felt ready to run.

I would definitely ride the course before racing. I was not ready for those hills!

Got my bike shoes off, running shoes on with yank laces, and got my race belt and nutrition in my back pocket.

Nothing.

Coming off the bike, I felt great. Running is my strength so I knew I could push it a little on the run. The first three miles were downhill and helped me to keep a good cadence. I tried to keep my stride short and my cadence up to prepare me for the upcoming hills. The first mile was hot with no shade so I made sure to take in some salt and hydrate before the hills. Coming down the first mile, I got to see Heather Wurtele round the corner towards the finish line. It was cool to see the first place female pro. After the first 3 miles, I reached the long stretch of gravel and hills. My quads were screaming and I managed to make it to the out and back. After the out and back, I had to walk up the rest of the hill, but really pushed the downhills to take advantage of the free speed. I took in gatorade at each aid station and threw water on my head and ice down my top to keep cool. After mile 7, my legs started to feel tight and cramped. I did have to walk, but made sure to pick a land mark, run to it, then start running. I started walking the aid stations to make sure I got in enough fluids, and made sure to get in some gels every 30 minutes and salt. Around mile 8, I started to see some of the faster bikers from my age group and moved up in the rankings. Finally, at mile 12 I passed the 1st place person in my AG. With my legs on fire, I ended up having to walk up the last major hill by the overpass (or bridge?). Got to the top and pushed to the finish.

Looking at my splits, I went out a bit too fast. I was averaging 6:59 for the first 6 miles, and 7:20 - 8:00 for the last 7.

After the race, I laid down in the shade and just poured as much water as I could over myself. I tried to walk around to loosen up the legs and get some blood flowing.


Rev3 Quassy has been, by far, the best race I've done, both running and triathlon related. The course definitely challenges you and you need to be both mentally and physically ready for this course. The volunteers and organizers were amazing and the pro field was awesome. The race also brought out some awesome age groupers and I can't wait to race again at Ironman Lake Placid. The finish shirt and medal were both awesome and anyone who finishes this course definitely deserves both. Rev3 is an amazing organization. I will definitely be back next year.