I have to say this was one of the best organized triathlons I've done. The course was well marked and there were plenty of volunteers. It was extremely hot but they had 2 water stops/loop on the bike. It was a 2 loop course. They also had a water stop on every mile of the run with all sorts of goodies including fig newtons, endurolytes, bananas, oranges, hammer gels, and these wonderful electrolyte popsicle things. My only qualm is that they did not have gatorade. It was some concentrated drink that supposedly isn't even available to the public yet. I steered clear and relied on water, bananas, gels and powerbars.

The swim was perfect. The lake was crystal clear. Waves went off every 7 minutes so it did not get overcrowded at all.

The bike course had some hills and was windy, but overall it was pretty nice. Low traffic roads. There were a few speedbumps at the beginning though. Only one sharp turn on the course.

The run was like a death march. I think it was 92 degrees, humid, and i have never seen a course this hilly. These hills were super super steep and just seemed to go on forever. It was tough, tough, tough! But it makes for a great accomplishment...and slower times.

Post race: The biggest medal i've ever gotten! I put it around my neck and it was so heavy it came off the string and i had to get a new one. Nothing like crossing the line and being presented w/ that thing. It just confirms what an accomplishment it is to finish this sucker.

The food! Awesome. You actually get a whole meal, not just a banana and an orange peal like some races! There were chicken and meat sandwiches, watermelon, rice, noodles, and beer! And if that's not eneugh, there was a charity bake sale w/ tons of goodies.

The awards: Age groupers get a pin and a $10 voucher toward ultramax apparel. Besides that you also get gift certificate to trisports.com. 1st place gets $125. Not bad at all!

OVerall: This race was awesome. Brutual course, but the organization and volunteers make it worth it. Even though the hills were killer the location is actually very nice and scenic. The shirts are really nice too, dri fit so you can train w/ them and not just sit it in your closet.