The swim course for Ohio was very nice. The lake was extremely calm and comfortable to swim in. The waves were not too big, so I was able to find space within the first 100 meters. When I rounded the first buoy, we were swimming directly into the sun, so it was almost impossible to see the buoys. I still found myself swimming a pretty straight line. For the majority of the swim, I did not run into anyone else, but the last 150 meters, it started to get crowded as everyone was funneled into the chute. I made it to the beach and headed into transition.

I wasn't sure of what to expect for this swim. I have been really bad about my training and only had two swim sessions the entire summer. I wouldn't really do anything much differently other than try to get into the water more frequently.

So this transition was slower because everything had to be put back into your T1 bag before you could leave, so I had to be sure that my wetsuit, goggles, etc. were all put away before running out of the chute.

I honestly don't know how to get much faster unless I can learn to ride without socks and/or perform the flying mount.

This was a mostly flat course that really let's you drop the hammer and just pedal! I think that this would be a tougher course on a windier day because there is nothing but cropland around you, but we were blessed with very minor breezes. The hills towards the end hit me only because my legs were getting tired from the constant pedaling

I maybe could have pushed a little harder and broken that 20mph avg.

Coming into the stadium was very cool. I was able to quickly rack my bike and then grab my gear bag to grab shoes, visor and race belt before heading out on the run.

Really need to buy some quick laces for my shoes. Having to tie the laces added extra time. Otherwise, I truly don't know how I could be more efficient in T2

I knew this was going to be tough. My training was already below what it should have been, and I also missed three weeks due to my bike accident. I decided to go with a 5-2 strategy and just see how far that would get me. I was able to hold that pretty well until mile 10, when it became more like a 3-2 or even 2-2 as my lack of training and fitness really became evident.
I was able to pull myself together enough to run the final 3/4 of a mile. Running into the stadium was really cool, and when I came around the turn on the track, I saw my family sitting in the front row of the bleachers! They weren't planning on being there, so seeing them caught me by complete surprise! I veered to the stands for some high fives (and hugs) and then headed into the finish!

Just be better. If I really want to keep doing this, I have to get back into better shape.

Grabbed some food and my gear. I had packed some dry clothes into my morning bag, so I changed in the bathroom at the stadium before heading back with the family to our RV. My wife volunteered to drive so that I could lay out on the couch (bless her!!)


My fitness level. This course, with the conditions we had, was a PR course. I knew going in that it would not be a great performance, but I was still pleased with what I was able to do on the course.


So this race is a little hard for me to accurately rate. The packet pickup and expo were absolutely horrible. Pickup was crammed into a tiny tent and it was difficult to get through because there wasn't enough room for the people to move from line to line. The ironman store was completely wiped out! I really like to buy the shirts with everyone's name on the back, and there was none to be had. Good for my wallet, I ended up buying nothing. The rest of the "expo" consisted of a couple of vendors showcasing dog food and other random items. The only tent that sold nutritionals was the bike tent and they were only carrying two flavors of gel. I guess it's my fault that I didn't already have this on-hand, but I've done so many IM's and I've really gotten into the habit of buying what I need at the race and it's never been a problem before.

The post-race food was absolutely terrible. I was given a completely burnt burger on a stale bun, a piece of cheese, and for some reason the volunteer decided that I really like pickles because he dumped about twenty onto my plate! I tried to take one bite of the burger and then threw the whole inedible mess into the trash!

The course was fantastic, and the volunteers were wonderful. I think they need to improve on their pre and post race logistics though.