Ironman 70.3 Augusta - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I had plenty of time to get ready for the swim, but when the horn went off I was still on the dock needing to put my ear plugs in, my goggles and swim cap on. My wife was on the bridge looking at me through binoculars wondering what the heck I was doing. I jumped in and my goggles filled with water. I then realized I had forgotten to set my watch to the timer and tried setting it, but failed. By the time I started swimming my heart rate was up, I had a hard time breathing and my goggles kept fogging and filling with water. Finally got everything straightened out and got into the groove of swimming. I chose to remove my wetsuit at the top of the boat ramp in fear of having to sit in the mud for the wetsuit strippers.

Stop socializing and pay attention to the announcer so I can be ready to swim when the horn goes off.

I have no idea what took me so long in transition, but I did remember to do everything I wanted to do and was ready to bike.

Try and cut down on the T1 time.

Felt good on the bike and definitely passed more people than what passed me since I started in the last wave. Felt like I could have been penalized for drafting and/or blocking with all the people out there on the course. Felt strong on the climbs, but never felt like I was pushing too hard. Wasn't sure exactly how much to drink on the bike since the weather was much cooler than expected. Had to relieve my bladder twice on the bike, but kept on riding. Chose to use 1 bottle of Infinit (5 scoops foe 2.5 hours) which left my Aerodrink with plain water and had an extra bottle of water for rinsing after the bladder releases. Was surprised to see so many bottles that were launched out on the course, some even had the bottle cages still attached. WTF! Even saw a lost mini pump out there and plenty of other nutritional items.

Did better than T1, but still longer than I needed.

Practice transitions

Felt like my lower quads were going to cramp up after about a 1/4 mile, but I shortened my stride and kept running. Took a custom mix of Gatorade with a scoop of Infinit in it along with me on the run and only grabbed water at the aid stations. Ran through all the aid stations and did not stop any during the run. My lower quads felt like they might start cramping at about mile 8, but they never did. Picked up the pace for the last few miles and had a good kick on the final stretch and into the finish chute.

I don't think I could have run much better than I did.

Felt good at the end of the race, but really could have used a shower. Grabbed a few slices of pizza, a Gatorade, a water and banana. Grabbed my clothes bag and headed out to get my bike. Jumped in the river at the boat ram to rinse off before changing into dry clothes.


Lack of serious training.


Loved the race, but didn't really care for the logistics of the transition site versus the finish line. Was a little surprised there were no finisher hats or shirts given away at the finish line and that they actually ran out of medals for the late finishers.