1st 12.3 mile lap had me 10 seconds off my "stretch" goal, and trying a bit harder than I should have (about 10 watts over target). I suffered a bit as a result during the 3rd quarter (about 10 watts under target), and was 25 seconds down with 4 miles left to go. Had a couple of rabbits to chase, turned the positive self-talk on, and dug deeper than I've ever dug (in a TT) to gain back 15 seconds on the final straightaway = finished 10 seconds off goal with an average speed of 26.9 MPH over the 24.5 mile course, and one place off the podium (the course was shorter than advertised). The competition was way deeper this time around. Last year in the rain I struggled to get 305 watts in the aero position @ 25.9 MPH. This year was 318 watts, and 2 min's faster. Now it's time to go shopping for that new bike; I think I finally deserve it: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/triathlon/speed_concept_7/speedconcept75/