Third tri ever, second time to do this one (last year 2:46:42/ my first tri). Biggest field in the race's history- 1600+. My first goal was to improve on last year. Second, I really thought I could get under 2:30. The only question would be Can I keep the 7:30/ miles up on the run?

Got to the race early and got marked, and got transition area set up. Checked on announcement of water temp-75 degrees- wet suit legal. Put on wetsuit and headed for starting area. A field of about 23-24 pros(12m/12F) started first every 10 secs. with AG next every 3 secs. Went out fast and before I knew it I was making the first of three bouy turns. Felt really good and actually had someone on my feet for the next 500. I couldn't believe that some one was actually drafting behind ME! Or maybe they just couldn't get by. Funny what runs through your mind out there. Anyways, I made sure that I stayed as close to the inside as possible and sight every 5-10 strokes, a lesson learned from last year when I swam 40 yard off course. Came into T1: 25:47, a full 5+ minutes ahead of last year-feeling awesome.

T1 get wetsuit off, pop a gel and water, and onto bike.
T1: 1:48, still a little slow but almost a minute faster than last year. Looking good, feeling good.

Temperature climbing, probably mid-80s, and wouldn't you know it, headwind. Not enough to blow you around, but enough to complain about. Lasted almost the entire first 15 miles. At mile 15, got gatorade endurance from race volunteers and finally able to openthe bike up a little. Still feeling strong but the legs are talking. Last mile back into the park I get into an easier gear and up the cadence a little. Go to dimount and of course the dismount area is at the bottom of a little hill. Talk about awkward, try getting off the bike, after a 40k, on the down side of a hill. But I managed to stay up. Come into T2 with a 1:11:33 bike split, 2 mins. faster than last year. Last year averaged 20mph, this year 20.5mph, but most into the wind. Hobble across the timing mat and into T2.

T2 change shoes, get hat and glasses, pop another gel and hobble out of T2: 2:05, a full :21 secs faster than last year. So I beging to jog, working out the legs, and start doing the math in my head. I realize I'm right at about 1:40 and IF I can run the 7:30 miles I had been running during training I'd come in unde the goal of 2:30. WELL, NOT TODAY SPORTS FANS! The legs just did not want to move fast enough. First barely under 10 minutes. I knew I had my work cut out for me. The first 5k is almost entirely up hill so I had a relly tough time. Got to the turn around and tolde myself, "well, at least going back down hill I'll pick up some speed". Still not enough. When I came back into park for the last mile, I started to pull up to a walk when I heard these three spectators off to the side yelling"No,no not now you better not stop now-almost there" My first thought was to run over punch all three in the mouth, but I knew they just wanted to help so as I RAN by them, I thanked them and they gave me a " good job, keep it up." The last 1/4-1/2 mile to the finish chute is across a levee next to the lake and is lined with people screaming so I manage to turn it up a notch and finish strong with a 57:17(9:14/avg mile) 15 seconds faster than last year. So the totals:

Swim 25:47
T1 1:48
Bike 1:11:33
T2 2:05
Run 57:17

Total: 2:38:29
8:13 faster than last year
45/97 30-34 AG
366/801 Male

Great race, expo, voluteers, post race food and drink. Recommend to everyone!