Timberman - Half Iron - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

swim was good. I started at the front, moved my way to stay FOP and round the 1st bouy on 3rd place. after that I had trouble sighting and dropped back 5-7 places as I swam of course a bit.. Tourning on last bouy I picked up the pace and pass some swimmers.
As soon as I touch sand I stand up to ran to T1 and both legs cramps completely. Quads, hammies and calves all cramped and couldn't even walk to exit the water. I stand there for 1 min (maybe two as it certainly felt it was forever) until I finally was able to gimp out of water. on the edge of the sand I was able to walk slow and when I reach the ramp I was able to speed walk.

I have to figure out this cramping off the water issue. (maybe I stand up too fast???)

slow T cuz I just couldn't move fast cuz of the cramps. I barely was able to take wetsuit off and put on socks (it was cold) and shoes without cramping again.

I pushed a bit too hard on the 1st 12 miles (avg 225 watts) and that took a tool on me. I had to focus on fueling a lot due to the cramps issues off the swim. I settle onto my race pace on the next 32 miles riding at 210 watts. coming back last 12 miles I had no strenght and my power dropped to 190 watts). Anyway I knew I was off my goal but instead of focusing on that I had fun thanking police/volunteers at every turn and smiling to the marshalls giving them my I rock hand shake ;)

*** Racing as an Elite is a different beast all together. Not to take anything away from AG but riding your bike pretty much alone for 56 miles is A LOT more difficult. You have marshalls watching you close, you have no 7 meter draft zone benefit from and no slingshot passing to speed up. I loved the challenge and I can't wait to do it again! ***

don't know, legs felt weird since the beginning. Like I wasn't 100% ready for the race and I had trouble generating power.

feet were numb but besides that it was a good T2

1st 3 miles I was feeling great and racing at my goal pace 6:10 min/mile, but at the hill coming back on the 1st loop both quads start acting like they were going to cramp (like on the swim) and that made me slow down a lot. I had to drink G-ade (plus the usual coke and water I drink every mile) to keep cramps away, plus taking salt pills like candy. mile 4 to 10 it was a hard and a real struggle and pace felt a lot. But hearing the cheers from Phil, Lauren, Rob, Cory, the fast splits team guys, Max, Emily's Mom, etc gave me vital strenght at different points. I considered DNF towards the end of th 1st loop cuz I was struggling a lot to keep on running. Then I reminded about the pink ribbon I had on my back pocket and everything seem easier and kept on going. By mile 10 fueling finally paid off and legs felt great again. I ran mile 11 and 12 on 6:10s min/mile and last 1.1 mile ran on 5:40s min/mile. I passed a few athletes to post the 17 fastest run even though it was 4 min slower of my goal

nothing much. after my leg fracture I only had 6 weeks to work on my run endurance and was only able to log around 100 Mi total

not enough training time. But it was a B race and I'll keep working towards Cancun and Clearwater. Plus this was by far the most competitive race I have ever done and that is just plain cool!


Good race considering the leg fracture issue, limited running fitness and my debut on the Elite division :)
I am ready for more!!!