Ironman USA Lake Placid - TriathlonFull Ironman

Like an idiot I swam up near the starting line after the pros went off because it seemed pretty open. I felt relaxed and ready to go until the gun went off and the washing machine started. It felt like I was having a mini panic attack and I was wondering if I would even be able to continue. I just kept doing the side stroke or breast stroke to try and keep moving all the while apologizing to the swimmers trying to swim past/over me. It seemed like it took about 200-300 meters before my heart rate settled down and I was able to swim my normal pace. I was really surprised when I came out of the water for my first loop and saw my time was 38 minutes. The second loop was much more relaxed and I pretty much swam freestyle the whole way. I was surprised to see that my second loop was slower than my first, but was happy to be done. I got my first experience with wetsuit strippers and it went well. I was off and running up to transition feeling pretty good.

Do not start anywhere near the front of the pack.

Had to run quite a ways to get to the transition tent. Changed from my sleeveless tri shirt to my biking shirt which took a little while since I was still wet. Took the time to put vaseline on my toes before putting on my socks and shoes. Put on my Garmin and sunscreen before heading out to get my bike.

Swim in the same shirt as I will bike in.

I think I could have picked a less hilly bike course for my 1st IM especially since I am from flat Florida, but boy where the views spectacular! Fortunately, I have a triple on my bike and I was not too proud to use all my gears! I was actually passing a lot of people on the uphills, but tended to get passed more on the downhills. The descent into Keene was a white knuckles ride for me and I really felt it in my shoulders by the time I made the turn onto 9N. I couldn't believe how many times I had to pee while on the bike, but I didn't waste any time stopping to go and instead relieved myself while riding. Sprayed my shorts down with water for a quick rinse each time which made for some soggy shoes and socks. Overall, I liked the bike course, but the final ascent into town was tough by the time the second loop came around.

Had mixed up two 3x bottles of Infinit for the bike, but should have either mixed one for 4 hours or left one in my SN bag. I ran out of Infinit and had to drink Gatorade for the last 30 minutes.

Felt pretty good coming in off the bike. Changed out my shoes and socks, relieved myself in the transition trough and headed out for the run.

Remember to take my run nutrition with me when I leave transition.

About 3/4 mile into the run I realized that I had forgot to take the concentrated Infinit gel that I had made up in the Fuel Belt boittles with me. Had to change plans and live off the course on the run portion. Ran between every aid station and tried to alternate between GE, gels, and water, but started having GI issues near the end of the 1st loop. Had to stop at a porta-potty just after the turn around on Mirror Lake Drive. My stomach kept giving me issues during the 2nd loop and I had to stop 2 more times to sit in the porta-potty. Was able to at least keep running between the aid stations although at a slower pace. Tried to keep a good attitude and was able to pick up the pace once I got into the final oval. Was extremely glad to have it all over with.

Remove my sunglasses for my finish line picture.

Felt a little nauseous after the race and they were out of Gatorade. Did not feel like eating pizza so I tried to eat some pretzels and wash them down with water and coke. Went into the medical tent and weighed myself and found that I did not lose any weight so I probably drank too much on the bike and/or run.


Did not have my race nutrition dialed in perfectly which limited my running ability a little. Purposely held back on the bike although I may have been able to go a little faster had I had everything perfectly planned. I met my 13 hour goal so I am definitely happy with my performance on my 1st IM.


Upon taking my shower after the race I discovered that I had a wicked case of monkey butt from the pad in my Desoto 400 mile bike shorts. I was rubbed raw in several places and had to resort to some diaper rash cream for relief. Had run 20 miles in the Desoto shorts during training with no problems, but they won't work for me during an IM.