I lined up on the inside right behind what I thought were the fast swimmers. I figured I would be top 20 percent coming out of the water. Hindsight, I think this was the right decision. had a really good swim. My pace was outstanding..faster than any of my Olympic or Sprints. My Garmin still doesn't work very well in OWS. The distance was way off compared to others. Overall, sighting was good except between a couple buoys I lost concentration and pulled to the right. I alternated breathing for most of the race. This got me in a good rythym and was relaxed.

I did experience a bit of nausea. I am not sure if this is because of intake of water or nutrition. I will have to work this out moving forward.

Not much; with the exception of maintaining concentration and sighting.

Slow transition for me. But, for my first HIM, I took it a bit easy. I took time to put socks on and take a Cliff Shot. I also took time to transfer watch from wrist to bike.

Wet suit strippers were great! Albeit, my calves immediately cramped during removal. Not sure if this was from the cold water or what. As soon as I got moving, they went away.

There was a long run along the beach to the transition area. I took it pretty easy because of my calf injuries leading up to the race.

I ate two Amrita bars and one cliff bar at miles 18, 36, and 45. Drank my 20 oz of CarboRocket, hornety juice, and two electolytes tabs over the first 30 miles. I also finished my water bottle with two gels and two electolyte tabs by mile 30 (20 oz). I also took additional water and perform during the course as needed probably equivelant to another 30 oz. I felt the urge to pee at mile 40, so my liquid intake was good. I felt my overall nutrition during the bike was good.

I did take it easy on the bike. I considered that my run volume had been limited for the last two months (calf injuries), so I didn't want to push too hard. At mile 40, I remember feeling really good!

Next HIM, I will push a bit harder on bike.

Forgot my garmin on the bike, so I had to circle back.

Due to calf injuries leading up to the race, I logged only 30 miles over the last two months. So, going into the run, I new I had to take it easy. My plan was to run/jog to aid stations and then walk. I ran most of the first 8 miles stopping briefly at each aid station; then it got quite painful during the remainder of the race. I did a lot of walking/stretching the last 5 miles. I guess this is expected due to my run volume and never running a half marathon before. Hindsight, I should not have pushed as hard during he first 8 miles.

I had a concoction of water, CarboRocket, and electrolytes in a hand water bottle. I finished this in the first few miles. I took one Honey Stinger shot right out of the gates, and ate two shots off of the course. I drank water and perform at each aid station. I think I might have grabbed some cola and chips during the last couple miles. I felt my nutrition was pretty good during the run.

Not be injured and increased run volume :) My nutrition could have better planned for the run. I think it was perfect on the bike, but lacked planning on the run.

Food!


Injuries and run training!


Race volunteers were fabulous! Racine citizens were great. It was well organized.

This was my first HIM! I was pleasantly surprised with the finish time! I originally targeted a 6 hour finish then adjust that to 6:30 after calf injuries. So, I was very happy with 5:42. I had a beast swim, solid bike, and fell apart on the run (as anticipated). Next HIM, I will get revenge!