This was my first (and only) Half Ironman, and I'm very glad I chose it! The race is well organized, and the directors are good at preparing for, and responding to changing conditions.

The swim, this particular day, was fantastic. It is in the Green Bay side of Lake Michigan, with clear water (although slightly cold, as it is part of a big ol' lake!). The year we did it, the water was calm and perfect. The swim is well marked and there are plentiful lifeguards to keep an eye on things.

The bike was fairly easy. If people tell you it is a hilly bike, don't believe them. There are some light rolling hills, and the big hills that I kept hearing about never came. The middle gets a bit boring, as you're away from the shore and in some fields, but it's pretty nice overall. The aid stations all came at the right time, the roads were smooth and clear, and overall it was a good ride without being too challenging.

If someone tells you the run is hilly, believe them!!! The run has nice scenery and takes you through some of the small towns in Door County. There are plenty of people to cheer for you, for the majority of the run. But there are two killer hills, one at mile 9-ish that pretty much everyone walks! The worst part of the whole race was from the top of that hill to about mile 12.75 - it's up on the bluff, away from spectators, and through fields. At least the aid stations had tubs to dunk and cool off. But the finish is a nice downhill, back to the beach and the line, so everyone can finish in glory!

The race directors did a good job of being prepared for the hot weather (it was well into the 90s that summer). The major thing I would change is the food at the aid stations- it was just sugar, sugar, sugar! There was only Gatorade, water, and Gu's (or some other brand). During a long race like this, even when you're in need of calories, it's hard to just keep taking in the fake sugary taste of energy, and none in solid form. Salt, protein, and something solid or even crunchy would have honestly helped me finish better. True story, I would have paid $50 for someone to bring me a peanut butter sandwich on the course that day. That's a big thing that they should change, but other than that, it's an awesome overall race that you can turn into a nice weekend getaway!