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Ironman Florida - TriathlonFull Ironman


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PCB, Florida
United States
WTC
50F / 10C
Sunny
Total Time = 15h 18m
Overall Rank = 1894 /2116
Age Group = M 50-54
Age Group Rank = 98/107
Pre-race routine:

Friday: Dropped off my bike at T1 along with the swim to bike bag and the bike to run bag. Although you are allowed to add to these bags on raceday morning I had everything checked, double-checked and ready to go to avoid additional stress the next morning.

Raceday morning: Woke up at 2am and had one Ensure+ for about 300 calories and went back to sleep. Woke up again at 4am and had another Ensure+, a little Cytomax and a bagel. Body marking was at 5am and the transition area was also open at that time. I took 3 bottles, my floor pump, and the 2 special needs bags and arrived at body marking 15 minutes early, they marked me anyway. I dropped the bags off where instructed, put two bottles of G3 under my seat, and poured the bottle of water into my aero bottle. After pressuring the tires up to 120, I went back to the condo and tried to relax, taking 2 8-hour Tylenols and 2 Immonium ADs. I put on my wetsuit, and then went back to transition at 6:15, they wanted you in the swim corral by 6:30. On my way to he corral I left my glasses on the glasses table.

Swim
  • 1h 42m 11s
  • 4200 yards
  • 02m 26s / 100 yards
Comments:

After being rough all week the ocean was calm for raceday. Luckily I didn’t see a single jellyfish on this trip. Instead of starting the pros 50 yards out into the ocean like last year, they started them on the beach 10 minutes early. I positioned myself back and outside with other boppers. I tried drafting a few times, but everyone was constantly stopping. I finally swam to the outside and stayed there for the rest of the race. I was a little depressed to finish the first loop in 59 minutes, not knowing till after the race that it included the extra 10 minutes for the pros. I could feel the back of my neck chafing from the wetsuit during the second loop, the duct tape I put on my neck didn’t cover enough area. Last year the body glide didn’t help much either. After a 59 minute first lap I was surprised (and confused) to see 1:42 for a swim total time. Looked back and saw over 100 swimmers still out there, a little better than last year. Off to transition.
What would you do differently?:

Learn to sight and swim straight. I believe I could cut 15 minutes off my time without swimming faster. I saw a lot of people come to a stop to sight, this problem is more common than I thought.
Transition 1
  • 12m 1s
Comments:

Grabbed my glasses off the table, ran up to the transition building where a volunteer gave me my swim to bike bag. After changing I ran out the door and another volunteer gave me my bike. My HR was fine in the swim but by the time I got to the T1 building it was pretty high.
What would you do differently?:

Focus more. Dump the bag out, undress, and put all swim items into the bag first. Then dress.

Put a small bottle of water in my bag.
Bike
  • 7h 11m 9s
  • 112 miles
  • 15.59 mile/hr
Comments:

The aid stations are about 10 miles apart. I planned to drink one bottle of water every 10 miles. I also planned to drink a 1200 calorie bottle of G3/water mix for each half of the bike. Lastly, I took 1 Enduralyte every 15 minutes throughout the entire race. Other than having a large German Shepard run out in front of me (scared the crXp out of me) nothing unusual was happening. My average speed at mile 55 was 15.7, OK for me. I skipped my special needs bag.

I felt pretty good till about miles 85 thru 100, where the road is cracked and bumpy (lots of vibration). There was also a head wind during this time, and I was only going 13-15 mph. I lost my energy here. This was the low point of the race and I began to worry about my run. Cyclists that I had passed were now passing me. Around mile 100 the road surface was better, but I now noticed a very slight wobble in by back wheel. I did 14-16 mph with a tailwind till the end, worrying about further warping the wheel and another DNF. I took another Immonium AD before the end of the bike as planned. It was great to finish this leg. I left about 300 calories of G3 on the bike.
What would you do differently?:

Instead of staying behind people that I felt were going my speed, pass them to find out for sure. If they pass me right back that's OK. Be more aggressive.

Get a different rear wheel, some kind of race wheel with blades instead of spokes. I had broken a spoke and the wheel was rubbing quite a bit when I checked the bike the next morning.

I will also bring some strong antacids next year.

Learn how to 'go' on the go. Only made one pit stop but had to stand in line behind 2 others.
Transition 2
  • 15m 1s
Comments:

Dismounted where instructed and passed the bike off to a volunteer. Got my bike to run bag and sat down, took a look at my watch and realized that I was ahead of last years time. This caused the adrenaline to flow just a little. Last year I DNF’d with bad blisters during the first half of the run. The blisters were the same size, shape and location as my Speedplay pedals, and spread to my entire front pads. This year I switched from plastic soles to carbon soles, and had absolutely no hotspots during the ride. However, I still took the time to put Hydropel on my feet and put on a pair of Injinji socks, they take a while to put on. I made a pit stop in transition, got some water and went out on the run
What would you do differently?:

Hit the chrono lap function on my watch to keep me focused. Blister prevention took up about 3-4 minutes. 15 minutes is riduculous, but it was nice to not have blisters.
Run
  • 5h 57m 40s
  • 26.2 miles
  • 13m 39s  min/mile
Comments:

I started running a 4/1 but at mile 1 switched to 3/2. I carried 4 fuelbelt bottles of a G3/water mixture for each loop (2 loop course) and drank 1/3 bottle with water and 1 Enduralyte at each aid station. Nothing but water from the aid stations during the entire race. Somewhere around mile 2 or 3 I realized that I was feeling pretty good and estimated that I was running about a 10 minute pace during the running portion of the 3/2. The run course winds through a number of neighborhoods and at times it was hard to sense progress. Seeing the single digit mile markers every mile reminded me that I was at the beginning of a marathon rather than just finishing a triathlon. There was a constant flow of faster runners passing, they were already in their second loop. It became dark around mile 4 which made me comfortable for some reason. At mile 10 I passed a guy who was taking a walk break. He said ‘Great pace, three more miles to go’. When I let him know I was in my first loop and had 16 more miles to go he looked a little embarrassed and said ‘Hang tough, it’s worth every step.’ By then I was pretty pumped and kept cruising along. I stopped and took 4 more fuelbelt bottles out of my run special needs bag at mile 13.

I finally went through the 1st loop chute and took the 2nd loop turn around. There I saw my wife Shelley trying to take a picture of me. I touched her arm as I went by and told her I felt great. She put up with me through all this and it was my way to let her know we were finishing this year.

Around mile 15 just about everyone going in my direction was walking, the waves of runners were no longer passing me. I continued with the 3/2 and began to pass others. About a mile before the 20 mile turn-around I saw a guy running in the other direction wearing a tuxedo and a race number. I wondered how many beers he had before he made the bet. At mile 21 a member of the support staff rode by on a bike telling everyone that we will make the cutoff and we need to take it real easy all the way in. I wanted to break 15:30 and stuck with the 3/2. A half mile out from the finish line a young lady ran by, it was good to see her running. About 75 yards to the finish another runner passed, covered in loose silver Mylar from his neck down to the running shoes, hammering out about a 7 minute pace to the finish line with the Mylar rattling behind him. He must have been even more pumped than I was.

I finally crossed the line. I was given a space blanket and a medal, and had my picture taken. I grabbed a couple of pieces of pizza and found my wife in the reunion area. Without her support there is no way I would be here a second year, and probably would not have been at the starting line the first year. It’s a long trip but those last few miles are a blast, and like the guy said, ‘It’s worth every step’.
What would you do differently?:

Nothing.
Post race
What limited your ability to perform faster:

Transition times, crooked swimming and a broken wheel. I could have easily saved 30-45 minutes without additional effort and finished around 14:30.




Last updated: 2004-10-18 12:00 AM
Swimming
01:42:11 | 4200 yards | 02m 26s / 100yards
Age Group: 102/107
Overall: 1974/2116
Performance: Average
Suit: full QR wetsuit
Course: 2 rectangular laps.
Start type: Run Plus:
Water temp: 72F / 22C Current: Low
200M Perf. Remainder:
Breathing: Average Drafting:
Waves: Navigation: Below average
Rounding: Average
T1
Time: 12:01
Performance: Below average
Cap removal: Good Helmet on/
Suit off:
Yes
Wetsuit stuck? No Run with bike: No
Jump on bike: No
Getting up to speed: Average
Biking
07:11:09 | 112 miles | 15.59 mile/hr
Age Group: 89/107
Overall: 1755/2116
Performance: Average
Wind: Some
Course: One loop of mostly nice road with a bad 15 mile stretch of bumps, cracks and small potholes.
Road:  Dry Cadence:
Turns: Average Cornering: Average
Gear changes: Good Hills:
Race pace: Comfortable Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 15:01
Overall: Below average
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike
Running with bike
Racking bike
Shoe and helmet removal
Running
05:57:40 | 26.2 miles | 13m 39s  min/mile
Age Group: 89/107
Overall: 1755/2116
Performance: Good
Course: Two out and backs, lots of turns through neighborhoods. A few miles in a dark park where the turn-around is. It gets dark at 5pm here, I didn't bother with sunglasses.
Keeping cool Good Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Good
Mental exertion [1-5] 4
Physical exertion [1-5] 3
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Good
Race evaluation [1-5] 5

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2004-11-10 8:37 AM

Veteran
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Texas
Subject: Ironman Florida


2004-11-10 8:58 AM
in reply to: #81121

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Expert
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Northern VA
Subject: RE: Ironman Florida

WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   I am speechless!!!!

Awesome job - you're my new inspiration!!!!  Great race!!!!  To make it through all those struggles with the thoughts of last year in your mind is fantastic.  It sounds like you were VERY VERY well prepared.

Thanks for a detailed race report.  I think it will help a lot of us attempting to do IM's in the future.

Congratulations again to you. Very impressive.

Gary

2004-11-10 9:27 AM
in reply to: #81130

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Master
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Marietta, Ga
Subject: RE: Ironman Florida

Awesome race report.  I actually got chill bumps (its cold here, too) reading your race report.  Its of great interest to me as I just signed up for IM FL 2005.  Thank you for taking the time to fill out all the detailed information.  Congratulations on finishing, that is quite an accomplishment.

I will be printing this out and putting it into a folder with all of my other IM preparation stuff.  By the time IMFL 2005 rolls around, I'm sure this race report will be well read and quite tattered.

Thank you.

2004-11-10 9:32 AM
in reply to: #81121

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Extreme Veteran
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Singapore
Subject: RE: Ironman Florida
WOW! GREAT RACE MAN! And such a superb race report! Thanks for writing in such great detail! You are really really prepared! Inspirational!

And congrats for making your time of 15.30 =)

I'll see you next year at Couer D Alene =)
2004-11-10 10:08 AM
in reply to: #81121

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Master
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Newbury Park, CA
Subject: RE: Ironman Florida
That is amazing.  What an accomplishment.  It must be great to go back and conquer after a DNF. 
2004-11-10 10:21 AM
in reply to: #81121

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Master
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Pensacola, Fl
Subject: RE: Ironman Florida
Great job and thanks for the report.  I definitely was very interested in every word, as I also signed up for IM Florida 05.  Great way to come back and get revenge on that course.  You rock!


2004-11-10 10:32 AM
in reply to: #81121

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Extreme Veteran
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Brisbane
Subject: RE: Ironman Florida
Congratulations!

That's gotta be one of the best reports I've read so far. It was great reading how you overcame certain adverse situations and hung in there. Inspirational!

Félix

2004-11-10 10:37 AM
in reply to: #81121

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Elite Veteran
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Atlanta, GA
Subject: RE: Ironman Florida
Your race report made me get teary. Some day I want to do the Florida IM. I guess that's why I got emotional. You made me feel like I was there.

YOU DID IT!!! I'm proud of you! I bet your wife is very proud and happy! Congrats!

Will there be another one next year?
2004-11-10 11:09 AM
in reply to: #81121

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Elite
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Tucson, AZ
Subject: RE: Ironman Florida
Wow! Congrats on such a great accomplishment! Thanks for sharing such a great report. Really enjoyed it. Good luck in your future races!
2004-11-10 11:24 AM
in reply to: #81245

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Elite
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San Diego
Subject: RE: Ironman Florida
Good Job! I really enjoyed reading your race report. I will use it as inspiration for me when I'm out there.
Thanks again
What are your plans now? More IM's??
2004-11-10 11:50 AM
in reply to: #81121

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Champion
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Whizzzzzlandia
Silver member
Subject: RE: Ironman Florida
I also welled up with tears! And goosebumps! Fantastic! What an accomplishment! I'm so very proud of you... and I don't even know you. What I do know, however, is what kind of training, preparation, and committment an IM takes... and what it takes out of you... and what it gives back...I've watched my brother in law for several years, and I can only sort of understand it better now that I race myself.
I'm in awe of you, and wholeheartedly CONGRATULATE you on an awesome race!


2004-11-10 12:29 PM
in reply to: #81121

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Master
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Plant City, FL
Subject: RE: Ironman Florida
Congrats!!  What an amazing victory for you!!  I hope to be able to do FL IM some day.  You're an inspiration to us all!!!
2004-11-10 12:47 PM
in reply to: #81121

Veteran
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Texas
Subject: RE: Ironman Florida
Thanks to everyone for the Kudos!  It is very much appreciated!!!
2004-11-10 12:57 PM
in reply to: #81208

Veteran
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Texas
Subject: RE: Ironman Florida

Browe79 - 2004-11-10 9:37 AM Your race report made me get teary. Some day I want to do the Florida IM. I guess that's why I got emotional. You made me feel like I was there. YOU DID IT!!! I'm proud of you! I bet your wife is very proud and happy! Congrats! Will there be another one next year?

During the entire bike I kept telling myself to never do another IM.  My wife has a picture of me standing in line 40 minutes early the next morming to re-register. 



Edited by Drinking Buddy 2004-11-10 12:58 PM
2004-11-10 1:06 PM
in reply to: #81252

Veteran
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Texas
Subject: RE: Ironman Florida

madcow - 2004-11-10 10:24 AM Good Job! I really enjoyed reading your race report. I will use it as inspiration for me when I'm out there. Thanks again What are your plans now? More IM's??

Houston marathon in January and a 1/2 IM in Galveston.  2 more IMs and don't really have any plans after that.  But you know, they have this race in Morrocco .... nah, too hard ...... Right?

2004-11-10 1:13 PM
in reply to: #81121

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Subject: RE: Ironman Florida
Kudos to you drinking buddy! Thanks for a great report.
Deb


2004-11-10 1:16 PM
in reply to: #81156

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Texas
Subject: RE: Ironman Florida
Motivated - 2004-11-10 8:27 AM

 Its of great interest to me as I just signed up for IM FL 2005. 

Your going to have a lot of fun out there, you'll to great. 

2004-11-10 1:20 PM
in reply to: #81309

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Master
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Pensacola, Fl
Subject: RE: Ironman Florida
Drinking Buddy - 2004-11-10 11:57 AM

During the entire bike I kept telling myself to never do another IM.  My wife has a picture of me standing in line 40 minutes early the next morming to re-register. 

So what you are telling me is that the insanity will not end...even after completing the IM.   Geez....I am dumber than I thought! 

2004-11-10 1:30 PM
in reply to: #81322

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Elite
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San Diego
Subject: RE: Ironman Florida
I was hoping you would say "No Mas!" I'm done with this long stuff. I have a freind who did IMLP 2 years ago. While he was out there he kept saying "never again. What am I doing out here" On the plane ride home he had a napkin out and was figuring out ways to knock time off for the next one.
I had only planned on doing one, then go into semi retirement of just sprints, but I guess I will have to see if the bug gets me too.
have fun with your recovery and marathon training
Tom
2004-11-10 2:25 PM
in reply to: #81329

Veteran
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Subject: RE: Ironman Florida

madcow - 2004-11-10 12:30 PM  I had only planned on doing one, then go into semi retirement of just sprints, but I guess I will have to see if the bug gets me too. have fun with your recovery and marathon training Tom

I think it just depends on your plans.  Before this race I had already planned to do 3 IMs.  I would lke to then go back to just running and to *maybe* try a couple of ultras.  I would like to try a 50 mile trail marathon, they host a couple near here (Sunmart and Rocky Racoon).  If I ever get to the starting line of the 50 miler, and I'm not too slow to finish before the cutoff,  I may try to train for one more longer ultra before hanging up the long stuff.  



Edited by Drinking Buddy 2004-11-10 2:28 PM
2004-11-10 2:49 PM
in reply to: #81322

Veteran
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Subject: RE: Ironman Florida
Cavu9 - 2004-11-10 12:20 PM

So what you are telling me is that the insanity will not end...even after completing the IM.   Geez....I am dumber than I thought! 



The guy in back of me in registration line was registering again for Florida, he's planning on doing 4 IM races next year, and he's not even a pro. 


2004-11-11 4:48 AM
in reply to: #81121

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London, UK
Subject: RE: Ironman Florida

Congratulations on your achievement!

And thank you too for such a superb report. I'm going to be doing my first IM next summer and, like others have said, I'm going to be printing this out to put in my preparation file. You're a star!

2004-11-11 8:42 PM
in reply to: #81121

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Champion
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Williamston, Michigan
Subject: RE: Ironman Florida
Congratulations!!!! Amazing accomplishment. Your family must be really proud of you.
2004-11-11 10:57 PM
in reply to: #81121

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2004-11-11 11:03 PM
in reply to: #81121

, Alabama
Subject: RE: Ironman Florida

Congratulations, Drinking Buddy.  YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!  You know you did good when you're ready to do it again!  Way to go!

Sharon

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