Ironman 70.3 Branson - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Had goggle issues right off the bat. I have had slight issues but he last two weeks the goggles had performed good. I did not want to switch right before the race so I rolled the dice and lost. The left goggle immediatley started filling up do about 200 yards in I was on my back adjusting the goggles. At one point I thought I had lost a contact due to the water in goggles but I just rolled over again and did some more adjustments. About 15 minutes in I was able to get them to work correctly and finished the swim with no issues. I tried a bunch of different kick strokes and did the breast stroke for 15-20seconds about 5 times. I think this helped prevent cramping in my calves.

Buy new goggles - Don't buy the Aqua Sphere Kayman.

The race banned using rubber bands on shoes and having shoes pre-clipped in. I was upset because I had been practicing this. I had the worst bike location as I was in the rear of T1. I had to clippidy clop for about 100 yards to bike mount. I also had issues with Garmin watch. I strapped on HR monitor then put on watch and some water from arm must have gotten in becasue it froze on me. I said screw it and ended up throwing them both in my transition bag. I just used my trusty Ironman watch.

I forgot a towel and there was sand. I will be looking at getting rid of the Garmoin 405 since I am so tired of it locking up from just sweating or moisture. I like the new GPS Ironman watch.

Bike went much better than I anticipated. I drank way too much eater and gatorade but that was ok because of weather. I had to stop at 3 aid staions to use porta potty. But it did make me feel better as I knew I was at least hydrated for 1/2 marathon.

I would have pushed it a little harder on the uphills and maybe would have reduced the fluids by a little bit to eliminate 1 or 2 of the bathroom trips.

Everything went pretty good in T2. I did have to use porta potty again but this was my last for the race.

Put on some sunscreen

Went out a little fast on Mile 2 as I was feeling good but then the heat kicked in. I was putting ice in my hat and down shirt every aid station (15) and there were residents with hoses hosing us down. I was also dumping ice water down my back and on my head. This helped me really keep cool. Shoes did get wet but didn't really care. I walked all the aid stations and walked whenever I felt overheated or a hamstring/calf cramp coming on.

Pick a cooler day :). Over all I was very happy with my run and dealing with the weather. I went in thinking I was going to be between 2hrs and 2:15 so I was right were I wanted to be.

Jumped into the ice cold fountain at the finish line. I passed the finish line 2 times and saw people getting into it each time. That was my motivation to finish and damn did it feel good!


Hills and heat.


The race was prepared for the heat and did a great job. The volunteers were awesome and I could not have finished the race without their help and dedication to also stand in the heat for hours.