Hale Lessons Learned

I learned a few lessons this year that will help in the future. Here they are:

1) SWIM FASTER! Being able to do the ride fast doesn't matter as much if you are not a fast swimmer, since you will be forced to slow at each turn, hill, and rough patch in the trail by struggling bikers. I think a faster swim would have set me up for a faster and less crowded ride. I could not have swum any faster than I did but NEXT YEAR I'll train more in that area.

2) You can minimize #1 a bit by leaving room between you and person in front of you as you approach an uphill. This gives them time to pull to the side if they fall off)

3) While cranking up a very steep hill in very low gear the person behind you who has dismounted and is pushing their bike will easily pass you. (yes Richard told me this in training and I ignored it, unfortunately)

4) Thinking that you only need a water bottle at the transition area to just drink during transitions is a mistake. I thought 'why carry this heavy water when I keep coming back here anyway?' I got very thirsty during the bike ride and would have benefited from one big gulp of water on my second loop around Strawberry Hill. Getting thirsty slows you down for while, even after you drink water.