Too much time off.  I'm ready to train agian damn it!
 

Oh yeah, gear reviews.

Blue Seventy Helix Wetsuit:
This was the first high-end wetsuit I've ever owned and the difference between it and my old cheap Zoot Zenith suit is night and day.  The Helix was a breeze to put on and surprisingly comfortable.

Jumping in the water the suit felt amazing.  Even with my old sleeveless suit I could feel the resistance around the shoulders every time I would reach forward.  The Helix not only didn't have that resistance but actually felt like it was promoting my body roll.  My shoulders didn't have any of the fatigue or soreness I'd normally have after 1.2 miles in the water.  Just an overall great product.

Speedfil Hydration System:
This is something I've been interested in since I first saw it, but I couldn't see how the aerodynamic claims could possibly be true.  If it wasn't for Kestrel's brand manager himself telling me about the wind tunnel test results, I wouldn't have believed it.

I got to transition as early as possible race morning so I could install it.  It was actually easier to install than the directions made it sound.  The hardest part was finding someone with a pair of scissors to the straw to length.

The bite valve is easy to use and keeps the straw filled with water.  This way you don't have to drink until water gets from the bottle to your mouth, it's always right there are your lips.  I actually spent less time leaning down to drink than I would with my AeroDrink bottle.

I was warned that the first few times you refill on the fly you have to really force the bottle to make sure it breaks the seal.  I didn't have any issues and it was as simple to refill as can be.

I'm definitely a fan.

Yawn.  Up at 5:30a so I can get to Dallas for a HR test at a client's house.  But after 1,200 miles in 36 hours, I'm still excited to drive my Subie. 

Reviews of the new gear tested in Clearwater to come this afternoon.

Finally back home!

I showered and got on the road first thing after the race.  Made it a good 6 hours before I had to get some sleep.  Sunday was just under 12 hours and I was in a pub in Plano, drinking a Fat Tire and waiting for Liz to make it back from her marathon in San Antonio.

She ran a 3:13 in very hot & humid weather and got 19th overall female!!!

We took yesterday to relax and recover some before coming back to the real world.  Clearwater was a blast!  My only complaint is that the TT start actually made the drafting on the bike course worse.  Way worse.  So I ended up 4th from last in my AG, but I did it honestly.

I know people who ran PR HIMs a few weeks ago, and then took 20min off those times here.  BULLLLLLLLSHIT!