Timberman Triathlon Half Ironman - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

What a good swim for me. I was planning on 45 mins but felt strong and relaxed through the whole thing. I kept the kicking to a minimum and just took it easy and got into a good rhythm. The water was much clearer than I am used to in NC and was able to keep a good draft going. For a while I had a nice 3-way going on with 2 doing some pulls in front for me. Unfortunately one of them kept breaking into a breast-stroke and a frog-kick which can be deadly to the goggles. I ditched them about halfway through and took the rest home solo. I kicked the tempo up for the last .2 miles and was very, very happy with my swim leg.

I had some equipment malfunctions - the zipper flap was not positioned just right so I got some nasty chafe on my neck. My goggles leaked a little on the right side out of the start and that was annoying, but I just tuned it out as best I could. My cap came off after rounding the last buoy and i shoved it into the front my wetsuit so I would't pollute the nice clean lake with my green cap. After stuffing the cap into my suit, the velcro pulled from my zipper and REALLY chafed me. All of it might sound bad, but didn't really affect my performance too much.

Damn wetsuit. It was a long run for me I exited the water right in front of my bike and had to go all the way to the other side of the TA and back to get to my bike. Other than that things were smooth. Said hi to my wife while I changed over.

I practice the wetsuit removal over the heels yet struggle in a race. I might have to cut some slits into them for the next time.

Tough first 11 miles. All uphill it seems, and Marsh hill was a killer. Thankfully I rode the first 11 earlier in the week and knew what I was in for. Add on some slick roads and I think that people were taking it easy. Once we got out of the climbing section, I settled into a good groove along 106 and really enjoyed that ride. I followed a guy in a sweet bianchi boron XL for a while, changing positions with him but I remained dilligent about no drafting (despite what others were doing on the course - you know who you are). The wet roads on the way out led to many flats, but thankfully I avoided them. The way back, the roads dried up and it started to get hot. Oddly it felt like we were contsantly climbing a hill on this course. I guess that is what it makes it a rewarding experience. I was happy with my ride given that I sucked on the hills.

I should have considered a 27. I probably to oa little too much out of my legs for the upcoming run, but kept a reasonable pace when not in the hills. I also should have planned my nutrition a little better - my clif bar pieces got wet and all became a mass of sticky goodness. Finally at mile 20 I got that decending feeling and had to make a pit stop at the turnaround at the portajohn. I was not thrilled about the whole experience but was happy that the porta was clean and that it was quick. Hopped back on and caught up to the Bianchi man who dusted me up the final ascents. Thanks for the pacing man.

Took T2 slow. While coming back on the bike the sun came out and it was getting hot. I made sure to put on some sunscreen knowing that would make a world of difference on Monday. Best 30 seconds I took in T2 I think. Quick rack, shoe change and I shuffled off to the run.

Get my transition bag out of the TA. Damn thing almost made me drop my bike. Remember to put on sunscreen even if its raining.

I am not a very strong runner, and it shows for this half marathon. It got hot out there and I kept a steady pace until I got to the 3.5 mile mark and I cracked. I got into a walk/run pattern (run until you have to walk) and just took it easy on the run. Too many people looked to be in pain and I was not up for that. I hit the 5 mile mark at 1 hour and I realized that I could finish in under 6:30 but would have to really buck up to come in under 6:15. I tried to keep the pace up on the way back in, but my legs were sore and I began to cramp a little and feel a little nauseous from all the sugar. I just kept moving and worked hard to keep my run to 2:45 or so. I shuffled the last half mile and ran the finishing stretch with all I had. Never been happier to see a finish line or a nice cool lake to jump into.

I didn't use my fuel belt (my wife won't let me live this down). The race was so well organized that you didn't need it, but I tell ya Heed doesn't agree with me. I suspect that gatorade would have also made me feel ill too. Overall this was a tough run with tough conditions - I don't think that there is much more I could have done other than maybe have another year to work on my running pace and endurance.

Caught my breath, drank water, used the towel, hugged my wife and family and jumped in the lake. I wandered over to the food tent and ate some pizza and ice cream and was happy.


The varying weather conditions. I forgot how fast the weather changes up here. I also didn't prepare for the hills on the bike course as well as I should have, but I am not too unhappy with that. I think that if I focus on my running and getting my stamina up I'll be able to get closer to 6 next go-round.


Keith Jordan is a top-notch RD. This was one of the most well-planned and staffed races I have ever been to (not just triathlon but maration, ski racing and all that). Great volunteers, great public works support, great community, absolutely beautiful race site, challenging course and a goodie bag that can't be beat. This was the best race I could have chosen for my first half IM.

I was happy with my performance, given that this is my first Half. I now understand what needs to be done for the next one :-).