2007 Toyota Challenge (Formerly Pineman) - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

One of my better swims, started off rough lots of bumping and smacking, there was also a lot of chop in the water from the swimmers, got into a good rythem and rolled, caught the wave in front of me and seemed like I was in traffic the rest of the way. Some spots were shallow and my hand actually hit the bottom. came around the first lap looked at my watched and saw a 16 min lap, I was happy, I was hoping for a 37-38 split, I had a great chance of breaking that, more traffic on the second lap and it slowed my a little, stood up to exit and saw 34 and change on my watch a PR by over 6 minutes I could't have been happier.

nothing my best OWS in a race to date

I took my time I decide to eat a cliff bar, fuel up and get my breath back before getting on the bike

nothing did what I wanted to do, this is not a sprint

The wind was about 10 mph on the first loop, about 15 on the second and I would say between 17-20 on the third loop, also you could feel the heat climbing. I stayed within my self, I wanted to find a pace that I could sustain for an Ironman distance for Florida. I felt I could have held a conversation most of the ride and was fairly confortable for the 56 mile trip. I could have went much harder, but I wanted to do well on the run.

nothing, I was using this race to gage my Florida Ironman pace, so I might have tried to push it if this was a "A" or "B" race, but this was purely for a learning experience.

once again took my time switched socks, I wanted dry socks since the last two half's I did I got blisters on my feet. I bought a new sock and using a powder I hope they work

nothing

Brutal heat is the best way to describe this, the last half IM I did I cramped up on mile one and battled cramps the whole way, I did not want that to happen hear, I walked every aid station took water and gatorade, poored one on my head drank one. This was the hottest run I have every done, it was 90 degrees and no shade on the entire course. After the first loop I had to take a pee break which I was so happy about, knowing I had a lease some fluids in me. It really was a death march, but I ran well considering the heat.

Pick it up quicker after the aid stations

Walked to the tent to get out of the sun, sat for about 20 min.


Heat and wind


The race for the half started too late, I did start my wave until 9:35 which put me on my half marathon between 1-3 the hottest part of the day. I did what I wanted to do, I had a good swim, stayed relaxed and confortable on the bike, and ran about the entire run. I think when I finish the Ironman I will no longer do races of this distance, I really enjoy the sprints and these distance I just don't have much fun.