Well...

I shared a room with Cole Hayward (nice race Cole) at a hotel about a mile from the race site. We got up around 5:15am, and headed down to the transition area. It didn't take long to get things going, as we were required to take a bust to the staging area. This allowed us plenty of wait time until our/my wave started.

The swim was a TT start...which those of you who know me, know that I HATE these types of races...so yeah, why did I race? Anyway...being that the race is in a river, they didn't allow anyone to warm-up...so my first stroke in the race, was my warm-up! I got into a groove pretty quick and was passing people every 3-5 minutes. About the 1000 meter mark, I was sick of swimming and wanted to be done. I think a boat or something came by, because there were waves and I was rockin' back and forth...which wasn't too good for my stomach.

I finished the swim and felt great. We had to climb some stairs up to T1, but it wasn't too bad. Oh, I forgot to mention...right before I began my swim, it began to rain...and it continued my entire bike! The race started downtown and we rode the entire ride on the freeway...not bad...except for the EXTREME rolling HILLS...and I stress HILLS! I was a little freaked out with all the rain...so I didn't do my usual "pound the hills" riding. I am confident that this took a few minutes off my overall time.

I arrived in T2 and was still feeling okay, but not great. I got into a stride and my plan was to hold 8 minute miles until the half way mark, and then crank up the speed. Well, at the turnaround, I didn't feel too great. My HR was below 160, but I was tired. I never did figure out why, but I was tired. I swear my last 3 were at like 10 minute pace, but I finished. I sat down for about 30 minutes before I actually had the power to get up and leave.

I felt worse after this Olympic, than I did after my 1/2 IM in Florida. I decided to do this race on Tuesday of race week...therefore I did not taper. I don't know if I'm over-trained or just tired...but I need a week off! And I'm gonna take it!!!

Nicely run race...I'm doing it again next year!