Brought two pair of goggles, but managed to NOT have the clear ones. Big mistake. I wore mirrored goggles. I have never been in the first wave (after the pros) and it was dark and overcast. I couldn't see the buoys. Hope not to make that mistake again!

I intended to swim at my normal slow speed, part of my execution plan. But, my navigation was the worst it's ever been. Twice I found myself in the swimmers coming back and had to correct. It was really due to not being able to see.

Got kicked and bumped a lot. Got kicked in the goggles, not hard, but it did cause my goggles to unseal. Easy fix.

I survived and was ready to be on the bike.

Bring clear goggles. Need more time in the water. Need more practice with sighting.

First time with wetsuit strippers. What an experience. I was a little frustrated and disoriented coming out of the swim and decided just to take my time. I walked to the strippers. They finally got my wetsuit off and then I ran to my bike.

Nothing, I needed to take my time and I did.

Again, right on target on my execution plan. I did stop at a convenient store bathroom. No line!

Goal was to ride easy and concentrate on hydration and nutrition. Had almost 96 oz of water and almost 4 hours of perpetuem/heed mix. Never felt hungry or thirsty.

Wind was annoying, as was the rough chipseal. It sprinkled lightly twice, just enough to make me wipe my glasses. I had new Open Corsa Evo CX II tires with latex tubes (first time for that). They were definitely sweet!

My MAF is 128. Kept an average HR of 145, just as planned. Only spiked slightly on the few hills.

I planned to take my time here and I did. I wanted to keep HR as low as possible.

Nothing.

Run was right on track until mile 7. My execution plan was working. Suddenly got very severe leg cramps. Stopped to take a stone out of my shoe. When I pointed my toes to try and get it back on, my toes on both feet started curling and I had to sit down before I fell down.

Due to osteoporosis (starting on drugs day after race), I elected to walk on the concrete and run the portions that were off road. I figured if I fell on dirt, I was less likely to break something.

Carried Nuun and water, and kept refilling water and adding a tablet. Had ¼ banana at beginning of run. Had a salt packet at mile 3. When quads started hurting, upped the Nuun concentration. When toes started curling, I started trying everything on the course. Another salt packet, bananas, pretzels, Hammer gel, coke and finally an orange quarter. Nothing worked!

I did manage to get through it and did sprint across the finish line. I am a half ironman just before my 60th birthday!

Figure out what happened. Train better.

Walked around, and had some food.


Cramps and age.


I love High Five Events. The volunteers were amazing!