Ironman 70.3 Florida - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

The horn..Ok, i let others start and stayed back as swimming is by far my worst sport. It feels as if I were fighting with water, so I decided to take it easy, there is no need to hurry. Others passed me, I didn´t care. Took my references, try to stay on course, find another yellow cap swimmer with my pace, who was on my right side. Breathe left, three strokes, breathe right and so on. I was between an orange buoy and the yellow cap, try to keep it that way and head to the finish. I expected 50min time, was 53, so it was not that bad.

Train freestyle. I really need to have more hours in the pool. This was only my second open water try.

Lost a bit of time applying sunscreen, but decided it would be better to spend that time.

Just run faster to T1, and run with bike.

Ok, I´m also not a strong biker, but decided that if I made it below 3:00 hrs, would be great. For that I need to average close to 19 mph. I felt I started strong (about 20mph), enjoying my ride, passing some, being passed by some. Drink and eat according to my plan. 1 Gu Gel every 45 minutes, sip Gatorade, sip water, eat nuts, powerbar. This I tried during trainig and felt Ok. For the last half, noticed my pace was about 17mph and realized couldn´t beat the 3:00 hr barrier........finished at 3:16 but not tired, and ready for the run.

More training. I only had two 3+ hrs trainings, so I need to cycle more.
My bike looked ugly compared to those Cervelos...but took me back to T2

I strongly recommend using Yanks laces, its really easy to put your shoes on. Lost some time again with sunscreen, and with fuel belt.

Almost everyone had arrived to T2 before me, so the place was a mess for my stuff, and find it difficult to get things going.

Running is my strong area. I had a previously 1:38 in a half marathon but realized I could make it under 2:00 after riding my bike right?.....wrong!! I started with a 8 minute/mile pace, but noticed it was going to be a hot race. I had previous experience in the 2007 Chicago Marathon, where temp was about 90F, and a lot of runners didn´t finish. With that thought on my mind, I decided to relax my pace. Then, a lot of athletes walking...a bad sign. I decided I was not going to walk, so took things easy. Ice, water and Gatorade on every aid station, 1 Gu gel after completing a lap. Easy pace, not pushing my HR over 82%, but keep passing runners/walkers. Made it to the finish line. Enjoy the run, enjoy the event.

I don´t think i would change anything in the run. I´ve learned to adapt to current conditions. If it is not ideal, then it would simply not be my best race, it would be a different one.

Love to see my wife and kids at the finish line. Proud of my medal, T-shirt and cap. Felt special. Then, stretch, stretch. enjoy Pizza and beer!! Felt tired but not exhausted, without injuries. Head to my hotel, take a cold water tub bath, and to the pool with my kids. Get ready for a great and well deserved dinner. Celebrate.


This was only my second triathlon (1 olympic, and this half-ironman). I think I rushed things, but still felt great with my performance. I've done 3 marathons with a 3:30 in NYC 2008, but need to spend more time swimming and biking.


Not having that much experience in this kind of event, overall it was a great race. Volunteers....THANK YOU, you are part of our success.