Ochsner Ironman 70.3 New Orleans - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Water temp at 70 degrees was perfect for my shorty wetsuit. Initially (first 200m) I had the "fight or flight" feeling and doubted my ability to swim the distance. But I fought through it settled into a rhythm and really enjoyed the rest of the swim. I found plenty open water and could easily sight off the buoys to the left and shore to the right. Gotta love bi-lateral breathing.

Calm down sooner.

Fairly long run from beach to transition. There was a mat to cover a rocky area but it didn't do much good. I tried to run but had to walk gingerly over the rocks. I think this could be where I hurt my foot that came back to haunt me in T2 and on the run.

The bike began well as we enjoyed a slight tailwind for the majority of the ride to the east. Unfortunately the winds really began to pick up from the benign early morning conditions and when we turned for home we were treated to what seemed like 20 mph headwinds for the last hour of the bike. I handled them pretty well having trained in some windy conditions. My average speed suffered but I managed to keep my intensity (heart rate) consistent. Overall I was very happy with just over 18 mph. I was able to take a bottle and a half of water and a bottle and a half of my nutrition. A bit less than the target 250 cal/ 1000mg sodium per hour.

Not much. But I would supplement my sodium intake given the humid conditions.

I stepped off the bike and immediately felt a sharp pain on the outside arch of my left foot (not the one with PF). It hurt a lot! Could not run and could barely walk my bike through transition. Massaged foot as I put on my running shoes. Gobbled down my only two Advil and two Enduro Sharks(450 mg sodium each). Hobbled over to the port-a-potty and took care of business, wondering if I could run and contemplating a DNF. At least I had toilet paper.

Avoid whatever causde the severe foot pain - although I am still not sure of the source.

My first mile was a struggle due to the foot pain. I didn't know if I could run through it or if it would worsen and result in a DNF. The next two mile it began to get better. After mile 3 the pain left. I took a gel every 3 miles and 1-2 EnduroSharks (sodium) every 3 miles. So I had a reason to walk through all the aid stations which were about 1.5 miles apart. From mile 3 to 9 I had a few moments during which I could almost enjoy the run. Unfortunately the foot pain returned around mile 9 or 10 and continued to worsen. No more meds of any kind so I was left to HTFU. The water station walks became extended and finally at 11.5 miles I had to walk for about a half mile figuring I'd lose 2 minutes to walk a half mile than continue at an 11:00 min/mi pace. I started running again at mile 12 and as a competitor said during that mile "there's no pain in the last mile." She was right. I ran it in and even mustered a decent kick running down the last blocks of Decatur through the human chute that had formed.

I'd love to have more "energy" left for the run but given the heat and humidity I was satisfied with my run. It was especially gratifying to overcome a totally unexpected obstacle like severe foot pain.

Shuttled off into the post race area for some water, Gatorade, bananas, cookies, pizza and finally a beer. Saw Coach Gail and some Gorillas. Learned the conditions kept most of us from reaching our time goals.

Was a bit too tired to truly "Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler" (let the good times roll) at the post race festivities but after a shower I recovered enough for a dinner of crawfish and beer with the support crew.


Foot pain in T2 and much of the run. Headwind for last 20 miles of bike. Heat and humidity on run.


I suppose one's hometown is always a great venue for a 70.3. But bias aside, I think New Orleans is a great venue. The weather could have been better but it could have been worse too. Given the weather conditions and the unexpected foot injury, I was satisfied to finish in 6:25:04 and establish a PR.