Musselman Half-Iron Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

OK, let me start by saying I am 100% disappointed in this swim. I am not sure why but this was way more difficult than I was ready for. I had swum this distance numerous times and always was around the 45 minute mark. With the current at the end and wetsuit I was expecting something faster. Not sure if I went out to fast or what but I ended up gassed and needed to breast stroke for awhile to catch my breath. I even had to hold onto kayaks twice, I know that is generally frowned on and was not my intention but that is what happened. I seemed to get in a good rhythm and the lack of chop (it was very choppy in the lake) in the canal made the second half much better but the damage was done.

After the race I realized that my swim training in the recent period was not very good at all. I had gotten over confident in my swim and allowed myself to skip swim workouts when time was tight. I did the best I could for run and bike but I didn't work to get in my swims. This showed and I will address for my next attempt at this distance.

To be honest transitions have never been strong for me and this is actually faster than my first sprint. I did take my time and make sure I had everything for the bike.

Not much, this will get better with practice.

I am pretty happy with this ride. The first part of it I was playing leap frog with a Team Z member (Amy #1077). Each time we passed each other we made sure to comment on it. It helped make the 1st 20 miles go by pretty quickly, she would pass me on the way up and I would catch and pass on flats and down hills. Around mile 20 I passed her and didn't see her again during the race. She finished the run way ahead of me Congrats!!
I was eating and drinking on schedule and things seemed to be going pretty good. I brought 2 bottles of gatorade and Stinger power bars. I trained with both and knew I could handle it. At the aid stations I exchanged empty Gatorade bottle for heed, then water. (Heed has been agreeable in past as well). This was working when I missed my last exchange because I didn't make it clear to the volunteer what I wanted. She was holding a big box of water bottles in one hand but handing out Gu. I didn't realize that till to late. No biggie I still had my Gatorade, so I started to drink that. Oh man not sure why but that did not sit well in my stomach and I started to get a bit of upset stomach at that point. Not sure if the Gatorade caused it or it was just time. The last 8 miles went by and my stomach seemed to settle and I forgot about it. Until later in run...

Not sure but this was a difficult ride with the wind. The road surfaces are not great so that also slows your speed, but everybody had the same conditions. I am getting stronger on the bike but have a ways to go. Will keep at it.

Time is slower than it looks. I actually went to the bathroom in T2, and was stuck waiting for somebody to come out. Should have done this on run course but I was not in the mix for awards and I needed to go.

Go later in the run.

OK right now the temps are easily above 90, and likely closer to 95. The entire course seemed like it was in the sun with little or no shade.
I started off fairly well and felt pretty good, I was running to each aid station and actually felt pretty good. Around mile 3 or 4 things started to fall apart. There is a very steep hill where the athletes either run up somebody's lawn or climb a bunch steps. This took it out of me pretty good even though I walked it. At this point my run intervals to each aid station seemed much more difficult to maintain. I have to mention the residents in the town of Geneva were amazing, throughout the run I must have been sprayed by more than 15 different hoses that the homeowners were helping out with. Awesome and very much so appreciated. OK at mile 7 is the beginning of a very long steep hill that was on a dirt/gravel road that was difficult to navigate. This hill was demoralizing for sure and I never got back in a good rhythm again. After this hill the course is flat or downhill but I was not able to take advantage of this. I was was having a hard time talking myself into running for more than a 1/2 mile, than 1/3 of a mile and towards the end 1/4 mile was all I could handle. If I tried to go longer than that my stomach would start to rile up and my legs were toast. This being the case my time goals went out the window and I just wanted to finish. The heat was brutal, and I was struggling to keep moving forward. The aid stations were great as were the spectators and residents, they gave me the boost I needed to get through.
This is a good time to thank my wife for being such an awesome supporter throughout the race. She moved all over both the bike and run courses that I had no idea when I would run into her. Other athletes were even commenting to me about how often they had seen her. I have to say that when ever I saw her running got just a bit easier even if only for a minute.
About 1/2 mile out I was able to hear and see the finish line and forced my self to pick it up a bit and was able to run the last 1/3 - 1/2 mile and cross the line in good shape.

This being only the second time I ran this long and the heat I am not sure what I could do different. Continued training and races will better prepare me for these challenges.

This may be extremely gross to my non-tri friends but as soon as I crossed the line I took off my shoes and jumped into a kid's pool filled with cold water with at least 4 other exhausted athletes. I have to say it was the best feeling I had all day long. I had the post race meal and enjoyed an ice cream cone. I collected my stuff and headed back to my dorm room to take a nap before leaving to drive home. Pretty stinkin happy!!


Need more swim training, more weight loss, and more time to train.


This race was my first HIM and was pretty difficult due to the heat. Many people had to be helped out by medical and while I only finished 725 out 808 finishers there were many who could not finish. This being the case I am extremely satisfied with my effort, and proud of my accomplishment. I am considering what one to do next but right now I will let my legs recover this week.
Thanks again to my wife Melissa who was out there in the heat as well cheering everybody on. I love you!!