After racing a ton in 2013 and having accomplished my goal of competing at IM 70.3 Worlds, I was mentally and physically spent.  I originally planned to race a full IM or 2 in November, but quite honestly I needed a break.  That wasn't before I raced at IM 70.3 Augusta, which is a race I really enjoy.  My friends Bill and Megan have a home 3 miles from the race start, so it is the perfect home stay and feels like a visit with a race included more than a race weekend.  My dad came down for the event as he did last year and we made sure to go out for oysters Friday night.  Augusta is great town to race in because the swim is down river, the bike takes you out into horse country and the run is really set up like a city half marathon where spectators can see you upwards of 8 times (good for my logistical dad who likes to plan his spots where he is going to cheer me on).  Getting out of the water in my usual spot I connected with Mike Hermanson on the bike.  Our friendship has grown through the IM circuit (he actually stayed with my sister in MI for a race weekend, while I was in NV), and we were able to ride the entire bike course together, taking "legal" turns, and pushing each other for 56 miles. I believe he PRed for watts.  The run was hot and uneventful, but I was pleased with a new 70.3 PR, even though the swim is "short". 
Three weeks later I ran the Detroit International Half Marathon on some lack luster training, as I was "turning it off" for the season. None-the-less, I ran my 2nd fastest half marathon ever,. and was happy to call it a season on that note.

So, quick updates since July. I ended up racing twice in one weekend (Aug 3/4), an Olympic and a Half Ironman.  It was awesome, as I set PRs for avg watts for one hour on the bike during the Frankenmuth Experince and then the next day I set a new half marathon off the bike PR during IM 70.3 Steelhead. Good for a 4th place finish and a 5th place finish respectively. I had great time with friends on the course, especially AJ Baucco who was a  great encouragement on the bike as we biked by and eventually pulled 5 other guys through the course.  It was nice to know that some times we can do things (like 2 races in a row at a high level) that we put our mind to, despite every indicator suggesting otherwise before a big event.  
The next month was a a little chaotic preparing for IM 70.3 Worlds. I knew that I was just going for the experience so i had no real expectations of how i might finish.  Instead of flying from MI, we (Kate and I) made of road trip out of it. Visting friends, family, and meeting up with more family and friends once we made it to Nevada.  I even did another olympic race the weekend before and won some money for traveling (always nice).  IM 70.3 Worlds was a terrible race for me, but it was great to see all the family friends and support on the course and just enjoy the sport at its highest level of competition, knowing I had earned my spot amongst the worlds best.