When we arrived of course it was windy and hot.  Like always.  My training has been off a bit the last couple of months.  Busy with work and SVE.  Plus I was really putting my efforts into training and supporting Debbie.  But reagardless I still wanted a better time or at least a better run.  This place has the toughest run of anywhere I have ever run.

I took Debbie to the swim the very first day we were there.  Wind was howling.  It was rough.  I felt bad for her, she wanted out within minutes.  I talked her through it though.  She swam maybe 1800 of the 2100.  She seemed much better after that.  Swam and ran a few more days.  One short bike ride.

Race morning of course the wind was howling.  The swim was a mess.  I started back a little bit from last year.  I felt like I had a good swim.  I was shooting for 36.  Sighting was difficult after the second turn I felt like everyone went out to sea.  I exited the water and it said 41.  I was shocked.  Swim felt good.  I was upset.  Later I found out that everyone had a long swim.  Pro's were off 4 minutes.  But still..

Exiting transition the wind was so strong blowing down the hill I actually saw people walk their bikes up to the highway.

The bike ride was tough.  The head wind was strong going up to Hawi.  I felt like I was trying to balance making up time versus a good run.  Not enough time on the bike!  I finished the bike in 2:33.  Good for 14th in class (last year I was 9th).  I turned 10-15 more watts this year for 4 minutes slower.  So I know it was windy.  Seemed like bigger guys had an easier time this year at least until the hills.  Drafting was good, I did not see much.  Really clean race. 

Once I got off the bike and hit the first mile marker I basically knew I would not go sub 5.  It's easy to forget how punishing this run is. It's up and down constantly.  I end up wasting 15 seconds at each aid station taking ice, water, anything to cool off.  1:49.  Bummer, but better then last year.

Finished off with 5:11.  About the same as last year.  Last year I had a better swim and bike.  I'm ok with it. 

I saw Debbie on the bike twice and she looked happy and smiled at me.  In the weeks leading up I worked with her on nutrition and taking in salt.  Funny thing is I told her she would feel ok at some point and say to herself "I don't need it".  Well she did.  At mile 10, someone shot her in the legs.  Live and learn.  In Hawaii you need electrolytes.

I waited for Debbie at the finish line and actually had tears in my eyes when I saw her.  I'm very proud of her efforts.  She smoked the swim for a total newbie swimmer.  52 minutes in those conditions.

Great time with Debbie, Mom, and Debbie, and of course my daughter Trinity.  Oh and we met up with Will and Raenee for dinner.  And Lauren had the pleasure of body marking us. 

Thanks for all the support.  It's amazing in this Facebook era.