The swim was my biggest worry as it is easily my weakest discipline. We (the Clydes) were the last group which alleviated my fears of being the swum over. I started in the back and swam my race plan. I did not need to rest at all on a kayak or buoy and I just kept going forward. Sometimes I switched to breast stroke to give myself a breather and better siting.

I did have a moment of clarity during the race. After I made the second turn to head in, I started citing in a snow covered mountain cap. It was one of those "This is why I do this and this is why I am in Colorado" moments.

Learn to swim faster. My stroke is inefficient at times, and I need to work on being more effecient.

Took my time to towel off, change and take some Clif Shots. Cola flavored was nasty

Nothing really, this will all come with time

This is where the wheels fell of the bus, quite literally. Within the first mile, I noticed that one of my pedals seemed loose. After it did not get any better, I stopped and notice that one was falling off. I hand tightended the bolt hoping I could get to the aid station and get help.

Shortly thereafter I was riding through an intersection when the pedal and crank fell off. I stopped up against the curb and looked for the bolt. Two non-race riders were happening by and had an allen wrench and I found the bolt and put it back together.

From this point on in the race I had to stop every half mile to tighten the bolt so it would not fall off. By the end, it was down to every quarter mile. At the first aid station, I borrowed a screwdriver that sort of worked and helped my get it tighter than my fingers. In all, I figure this cost me 20 minutes at least, maybe closer to 30.

I was upset about this, but it did not deter me from finishing, even if I was the last person off the bike in the whole race.

Not have my pedal fall off.

Otherwise, not much. When I did ride I felt good, and I am proud of the fact that I finished the bike.

This went fine as I was in a rush to get running, an element where I was in control

I knew the run was where I had to make a showing. I made it my goal to catch someone, anyone on the course. After a slow but expected swim and slow and unexpected ride, I had to do something.

I took off at a good clip out of transition and made it up the hill onto the dam. About 0.75 miles ahead I noticed Red, and made it my mission to catch her. I kept running with a small bit of walking through the first aid station and drank some water and doused myself.

I kept tracking Red and kept getting closer. Near the turn-around I also noticed Pink. Could I catch them both?

After running through the turnaround, I noticed they were walking together. They were mine.

By the time I got to the 2.1 aid station, they were 75 yds in front. After the water, they started running and so did I. I passed them with about a half mile to go and Red decided to try and catch me. I kept out in front and then passed Purple in the chutes to finish on a strong note.

Nothing.

After getting my medal I went and called my wife. I was going to return the tool, but I think a volunteer picked it up from my station, because I know I laid it on my towel. When I considered the heat and the time, I opted out of a post race beer and headed home.


My bike and my weight.