Musselman Half-Iron Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

After observing where the previous waves started, as well as mine, I decided to stick to the inside (left). With 30 seconds to go from the start, I decided to swim for a warm-up, which was a good idea. The race started and I pushed fairly hard for 200 yards tracking by an adjacent swimmer. Moved away from the pack and quickly began running into previous waves (there were 4 ahead of me). At times I would cut far inside to get a clean path and weave back in to round the buoy. This worked very well. The turn to the canal introduced a nice current to speed up the pace. In the marina, I was within a few feet of the boats stern. The last 200 yards I started to kick, which I normally do not do. Exited the water and quickly removed the cap, goggles and unzipped.

Overall, I was very pleased with the swim leg. It's my strength and I certainly did not push as hard as I could have if I weren't reserving energy for the rest of the race.

As usual, difficult to get the wetsuit over the lower legs and feet. Other than that, went as planned and I was very calm and focused.

Nothing

I rode the course during training with my wife. It was nice to let it all hang out on the course to test my ability. There were many riders blocking, I assume some of them received penalties. Numerous times I found myself questioning my splits as they seemed much faster than I planned. A few times I intentionally did not push hard to reserve energy, but I quickly reverted back to comfortable pace. I passed the cottage at mile 50 and our kids were supposed to be there cheering us on. No kids, but after doing the math I realized I was way ahead of plan. My quads were feeling the burn and it felt good. I ate two cliff bars, 4 endorolytes and drank 1.5 large aero-bottles of endurance and heed (about 5 regular bike bottles).

At about mile 51, a biker passed me going up a hill. She slowed down and I could not pass as I heard traffic coming up behind and there was no shoulder. I waited for the traffic to pass, but by the time it did, I realized it was the USTA motorcycle! Crap! He passed me and actually stopped up ahead to get another look at me (I later learned). I received an "overtaking" penalty for not dropping back 3 bike lengths after being passed. That sucks!

Nothing.

It seemed like I spent a lot of time pondering whether to wear my fuel belt. I observed a few racers leaving without one, but I decided to wear it anyway. (I had a bad experience at a marathon with sweltering heat and no fuel.)

I took a quick swig of my recovery drink.

Not wear my fuel belt.

Within 1 mile I knew wearing the fuel belt was not a good idea, it was too heavy with the large fuel belt bottles. I made a tactical decision to dump out the contents of the bottles and rely on the aid stations. I could feel the weight difference immediately. My plan was to run 2 miles @ 9:15 and walk through every other aid station. The first mile was clocked at 8:23, so I slowed way down. The second mile was more as planned. I alternated aid stations for a few miles, then decided to hit everyone, picking up two sponges for my hat, ice and heed. I put the sponges and ice under my hat and enjoyed a cold shower the entire distance. I may have also consumed a gel, I don't recall. I probably should have ate more, but my stomach was feeling blah after the cliff bars, endorolytes and being bent over during the race, so I did not want to risk it.
The run is my weakest leg and I'm pleased with the time. My half-marathon PR is 1:56.

Stick to the plan from the start and eat more.

Sat in the kiddie pool to cool down and talked to my kids. Ate a slice of pizza and pushed the fluids while I waited for a massage.


Not enough run training in the heat with hills (although I did quite a bit).


During the run, I told myself a few times to remember how difficult it was to keep moving as this was to be my first and only HIM. It's funny, within a few hours, I was thinking about the next one!

Jeff runs a phenomenal race!!! The volunteers were outstanding!!!