I participated in the Ironman VR series 10-13 in June and had PR breaking performances for 5k, 10k, and pretty close on the 1/2 marathon, plus my one hour and 2.5-hour power on the bike, it was amazing.  In the last few weeks, I have been a bit tired and having to put more effort into hitting my numbers on the bike.  I took a few extra days off and took the time-starved options on many workouts. 

Fast forward to last week, still not feeling awesome but I was registered for a small Olympic distance race so I'll give it what I have.  Oh, BTW the bike is about 2k of gain over the ride with 12% grade in one spot.  I have been back in the pool and the lake for about 5 weeks now, not a ton of swim time but enough.  

Race day feeling alright, warmup swim was not bad.  Race start and I get out well and cruising along, about 3/4 way through I felt the swim fatigue, came out in 25 minutes or so which is a usual time for my swim but my HR is pretty high. At this point, I'm about 8th place or so. 

On to the bike, it starts literally straight up the hill I got moving and got the first climb out of the way.  Got a gel and some hydration in me and set on my way. I was feeling ok, not great not bad a bit of soreness in the legs and only putting out about 10-15 watts less than my target.  The second loop I felt better and pushed slightly harder, I picked off about 4-5 people on the bike.  I was feeling pretty good but my HR was spiked Z3-Z4 most of the ride.  

Got my shoes on and got onto the run.  The run is less hilly than the bike but still rolling and my hamstrings have been tight so I didn't want to push too hard and pull it.  Typically I am a 43-45 minute 10k for an Olympic so I knew about where I should be pace-wise but I was running more to feel.  I was rolling well and when I did check my watch it was about a 6:40 pace pretty quick for me.  I picked off one guy on the run but then got passed by another so I was sitting 4th male.  Made the turn and I was uncomfortable but still ok. With about a mile to go, I took a quick walk break for 10-15 seconds, then pushed through to the end.  Finished the run at 41:53 a new PR for an Olympic run, I was pretty excited!!!

I was completed drained at the finish but came though in 2:15:45 a new Olympic PR on a not flat course at all.  A really solid day with really only one mental hiccup.   I was fifth overall, I was beaten by a guy 1/2 my age, a female pro, and two D1 Cross country runners not a bad day at all and completely excited about my performance.  

Now a couple of days rest before I start preparing for a Hillyer 1/2 in early September.  Thanks for all the help.