Mar. 19: My former college roommate and good friend, Paul, completed his first half-Ironman at the Ford Ironman California 70.3 this past weekend. To be honest, I had my doubts when Paul told me he was going to do the race. I guess that's why when I look back on what Paul accomplished this weekend, I think of how proud I am of him. Paul's race resume included maybe a handful of races, including only one triathlon. In the months leading up to the race, Paul finished a duathlon, a 10K, and then the half-ironman. Pretty impressive stuff. Paul had a great race in his inaugural half; he looked energetic and relaxed out on the course and at the finish, more than what I can say about my own race. The one time Paul and I crossed paths out on the run course, Paul was pumping his fist and holding the number one sign, as he shouted, "Go Kiet, you rock!!!". All I could muster in response was a flaccid, limp wristed wave of sort. Race morning greeted Paul and I with cold temperatures and a light rain. The cold water combined with too fast of a start (along with my brand new, never worn goggles filling up with salty sea water) caused me to hyperventilate within the first 300 yards of the swim (15 years in this sport and still making rookie mistakes). I stopped, cleared my goggles, took some deep breaths and started back up. I pulled a group back in and drafted to an uneventful 28:30 swim (I swam a 26:30 last year in what is suspected to be a shorter course than this year). Having bonked on almost every long ride leading up to the race, I thought myself to be out of bike shape and decided to be conservative on the ride. I had several conversations with my mom during the ride asking her to remind me to be patient. It worked! I rode a 2:39.03, over 4 minutes faster than last year. Having bonked on the run last year, I wanted to redeem myself on the run. I set out on the run with the intention not to walk. But setting a goal not to walk during a race is not going to reward me with fast times. I think I played it too safe and ran a conservative 1:34.45. I had way too much at the end. My overall time was a 4:47.48, 100th place overall (pro's and amateurs), 21st in my age-group, 18 minutes faster than last year, 7 minutes slower than my best case scenario goal time, 4 minutes slower than my realistic goal time (how's that for stats). This race is well organized and has a very competitive field which makes it fun to race. Paul and I hold the double digits to indicate two races down.