I had a good swim, overall. The beginning was the roughest I've ever had, lots of contact. I just tried to keep focused and keep breathing. The beginning is always hard; sure enough, it calmed down and got better. I kept a pretty comfortable pace, not too hard, but not too easy. Based on my recent results, I'm suddenly a stronger swimmer than a runner or biker, relative to the field. Not sure when or how that happened, but there it is!

My wetsuit was a little tough to get off, but the wetsuit strippers were helpful.

I felt good the whole time. I was familiar with the course after last year, and knew that it was going to be rolling hills throughout. I took the first 1/3 pretty easy, and then turned up the intensity just a little after that. I still kept the effort level moderate, but felt like I was racing, not just riding.

I had things pretty much together.

This run was tough. I started out feeling great, but then every mile got tougher and slower. It's a two-lap course, so I knew every hill I was on was going to come around again. It felt hot, and the whole thing is pretty much in the direct sun. I just started feeling drained. I took a Gu at the beginning, and then alternated coke and water for the rest of the run. The last three miles were a real struggle. There were so many people walking, and I wanted to join them, but I just kept moving. My overall pace is ok, but not as good as I hoped it would be.

I was hot, so hot. I sat for a bit and dumped water on my head. Then Nate mentioned that he was headed to the med tent, and I just figured, why not? I just sat in the shade and cooled off. I didn't need any help or anything, just needed to cool off. I had them take my BP, just based on Louisville, and it was fine. I just felt drained.


Still gotta get nutrition down. I never peed, but felt like I was drinking plenty. Direct sun just gets me, I think.