🏊️ Swim:
Non-wetsuit, ocean swim, beach run-in. The chance for a truly honest swim that could get me and the good swimmers a big gap.
At the race briefing we were told that if, for some reason, we had more current, the plan was to shorten the swim to a 1000m point-to-point. I posed the question: “If it’s safe enough to get in the water for a 1000m swim, why is there not a plan to do a multiple lap course or out-and-back for the pros?”
It was heard, but not implemented.
I led to the first buoy and relaxed after that. Greg, Seth, and I all came out pretty much together and headed into T1 and out onto the bike in first place.
7:15 2nd fastest
Job done. ✅
🚲️ Bike:
I was very surprised to hear we had a 90 second gap to Sam after that swim. One-third of the swim and we still got 90 seconds.
Legs were feeling really good. Power was there right away and Seth and I got to work.
Around mile 22 (the first U-turn), I could see Sam was almost to us and Ari wasn’t much farther away. I knew a big move was coming once he got to us. I did my very best, but I was clearly overextending, so I settled back into my pace, still with really good numbers, and just held it there. 3 riders went up the road.
I was still really happy with the last half.
Legs were decent at the end, but certainly feeling the completely flat course. I nailed the nutrition and got off the bike solidly in 4th.
Finished the bike not really knowing the gap, but eventually heard 2:30 down from the lead
1:53:17
4th fastest bike split on the day
326 avg / 332 NP
Job done. ✅
🏃♂️ Run:
2:40 down but feeling really good.
I was still surprised to see 3:13 and 3:16 pace for the first 2k. I wanted to go for it and give myself a chance.
I love 3-lap courses. For some reason they flow really well mentally for me.
I was on pace for around 1:08:50 through halfway but faded slightly on the back half.
Another really big step back toward where my run used to be, but this was off an even harder bike, so I guess it is back? 🤔
"One is an instance, twice is a coincidence, three is consistency"
1:10:26
4th fastest run on the day
Job done ✅ Worlds spot 🌎️ 9th career IM podium 🏆️
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If you made it this far, thank you. I really appreciate you following along.
Momentum is building.
Recovering now and getting right back to work.
T-minus 3 weeks until the IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship.
