LongHorn Triathlon Festival - Half Iron - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

All in all felt great during the swim. Except for when a few people swam over the top of me, I was in under no stress or discomfort.

I must learn to breathe on both sides. I'm a one side breather, which means I breath every 2 strokes. Need to get to 3 strokes, so I can become faster in the swim

My race plan was to be deliberate on the transitions. I was plannng for cold temps on the bike, so I didn't swim in my top. This proved to be a bad decision. Getting my top on a wet body, proved slow. Also, Socks. I put socks on so I wouldn't have cold feet.

Because the transition area was away from the water, I expected 4-5 minutes, but not 8 1/2.

No socks on the ride. Theres really no need. Also, the temps were a little warmer than the 52 degrees we anticipated. Should have swam in my Tri top, and saved myself some time..

Plan was to average around 16.5 MPH. At 16.2, I was pretty much spot on. I got passed alot by the following waves. I realize I need to get faster on the bike. But never doing a 1/2 Ironman, didn't want to push the bike with 13.1 mile run remaining.. Could have gone faster...

I think I need to train longer rides. Most of my rides were 40-50 miles. I think I should do more 65-70 mile rides.. At faster speeds. Also, need more strength training.

Little better on this transition, but walked to the Run Course exit. I probably wasted 1-2 minutes changing socks.

If I don't ride without socks then changing into new ones will be quicker. Just need to plan for faster transitions. Something I didn't focus on.

Coming off the bike felt like I was sick of GUE & Gatorade. Just didn't want to take in anything at all. It took me a good 3 miles before my legs felt like they were working properly.

My strategy was the Galloway method, run for 4 minutes walk for 1. I followed this on the first lap, then increased the run time. On the final leg it was like run for 10 minutes walk for 1.

watching my time I knew I needed to pick up the pace of the last loop to break 7 hours. with 1/2 mile left, got a huge cramp in my left hamstring. stretched it out, walked it out, then ran the remainder of the way.

During the run I was really hurting. My right foot felt like I had a stone bruise.. This hampered me from getting into a good rythume. Need to do more Bick workouts in training. This will prepare me for running after I exit a bike.

I tried to do a little stretch immediately but extremely croweded arena.
when I got home, I did trigger point to hopefully move some of the lactate from my muscles..


Part of it was the unknown.. Never done a 1/2 Ironman before, so didn't know what to expect. I need to do some strength training, and speed work. I think I have the endurance part down..


My first 1/2 Ironman was incredible. The entire Festival, from Friday on was Top Knotch..