Soma Half Iron Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Waves were starting 4 minutes apart and that allows each wave enough time to get in the water and swim to the starting point. I started at the very end of the pack. The horn went off the swim started off in a big splash. I focused on getting into my rhythm, I was checking every 10-15 strokes that I was still on course. My plan was to pace a bit slower than my usual pace on the way out, and increase my pace on the way back. So, I did. So, at the turning point, I started swimming faster than before. Along the way, I was over-run by the wave that started 4 minutes after mine, and even by the young female wave that started 8 minutes after mine. There were definitely fast swimmers out there. At the same time, I was passing people too (for the first time ever) on my swim and that helped me keep on going towards a strong finish. Once reached the stairs to climb out of the water, I knew that the part which I was most concerned about was over, and now it was time to focus on the next leg. I actually finished my swim in 43:14 minutes but I went into transition only after the wetsuit strippers helped me get mine off - which was a struggle...

Not much. I swam per my normal pace. I finished strong and better than what I was thinking initially.

I was a bit dizzy after the swim. I sat on my mat, I dried my arms and feet. I put my helmet and sun glasses first, then put on socks and cycling shoes. Put extra layers of sun block, drank some gatorade I had prepared in advance and ran out of transition with the bike.

Possibly get different shoes as it took me forever to put mine on. Also, for whatever reason, it took me forever to put my socks on - despite the fact that I used a dry towel to dry them.

The dry weather helped to quickly get dry and a bit of overcast was helping in hiding the morning sun. My plan was to take "study" the course on the first lap, go hard on the second one and relax it a bit towards the end of the 3rd lap in preparation for the run. I have all my nutrition ready and I monitored the time on my bike computer in order to know when to take what. I followed both plans. I used only one water bottle from the one on the aid stations as I have everything else I needed with me.
I lost about 5 minutes on the first loop due to a bad call on my part on changing gears while on a uphill. I tried to change from the front large cog to the smaller one and the chain fell off while I was barely moving up the hill. I immediately dismounted both feet and stopped the bike. I managed within a few minutes to put it back on and then ran with it to the top of this little hill so I can get back on it. I then knew what to do for the next two laps.
Another thing I was careful about was drafting. USAT officials on motorcycles where constantly around looking for riders who were drafting. I was very careful about it all the time.
Friends were cheering for me on the course and it felt great to hear my name being yelled out there.
Loop 1 and 2 went really well. I felt good and I knew that the second part of the race was coming to an end. During loop 3, a sudden pain in my right lower back, shooting pain to my right knee and feet. I slowed down and assessed the pain level. It was light to moderate - so as part of my plan to take it a bit easy on loop 3 I slowed down a bit and finished with some pain. USAT officials were standing by transition to find rides who did not dismount in the designated area giving penalties to the ones who accidentally (or not) crossed the line while on the bike. I ran into transition - thinking "oh yeah! only 1/2 marathon to go and I am done!"

Ride more as get stronger on the bike, better practice taking salt pills while on the bike, learn to use my left cage bottle holder, better utilize the aero-bars - by spending more time in the aero-position.

I ran into transition, and had to go all the way across to the other side for spot. I racked the bike, I took off my helmet and put my running hat on. I then took my cycling shoes off and put on my running shoes - that, of course - did not cooperate that well. I usually untie my laces and just shove my feet into the shoes with the laces already tied. But, not this time around. So, I had to untie my shoe laces first, get my feet into the shoes and then tie them back again. It took some extra time - but was not too bad. I drank some water and gatorade, put on my running belt and off I went.

Take care of the shoe laces up front and not during race time.

It was already hot when the run started, with some dry wind blowing. The run started ok, I noticed some pain in my lower back/leg/foot which I could tolerate. My goal was to run and walk the aid stations. By the time I reached the first aid station, I was fairly tired but still running. I took drinks and ice and kept on running. Mile 1 came by and I was thinking that if pain levels stay the same I could beat my expectations and that was a great moral boost as this stage of the race. But then, at mile 3 things started going downhill. A sharp pain from the hip to the knee on my right foot was a signal for me to stop running and start walking. I did not like the idea - but also wanted to finish the race on my own... So, I adopted a strategy of: "Run till it hurts and walk till the pain goes away" and so I did. Obviously this slowed me down quite a bit - but I knew that it will bring me to the finish line. I drank a lot, used carbo pro in my bottle and felt that I could do it. At one point, there was a big guy on a wheelchair trying to overcome a steep dirt hill on the course which we all had to go over. He was unable to do it on his own. I saw him trying a couple of time and getting unhappy about it. A runner behind him tried to help but was unable to get him over to the top of it. I saw it happening as I was running towards them, so I ran down the pile and told him to hold tight and pushed him to the top. I made sure he was ok. He barely spoke, he seemed to be exhausted. I tapped him on the back and said "Good luck, sir.", he said "Thanks man!" and we kept on going.
As I passed more and more miles, I got slower and slower. I knew that it not my best run, but at the same time I knew that it is one of my most important runs - so I have to keep on moving. Then, mile 12 arrived and I got some inner, hidden energy that pushed me to run to the finish line. I was able to ignore the pain, the heat and the negative thoughts and just run - knowing that within minutes - I am about to accomplish one of my biggest accomplishments ever - finishing a Half Ironman race!

Be better prepared - by running more and by training more on bricks.

I crossed the finish line, got my medal and a ice cold water bottle - which I drank in no time. I felt that all I want to do was to sit down in the shade. I then, went towards the shade - where all my San Diego friends were sitting down and relaxing - after their race. I than saw Tanya who congratulated me, gave me a big hug and took a picture of me. I rested for a bit and went to grab some food. While standing in line, I started to feel bad. I felt that I want to throw up and sit down, so I left the food line and went to the shade. My friends suggested that I go the medical tent but I refused. I then, went to the transition area to start pack my stuff, but then, a medic go-cart stopped next to me the the guys asked me how I felt. I said that I am fine, and they were about to leave - but, then my worrying friends came by and said - yes this is the guy we told you about. So, they made me sit down on the go-cart to take my vitals and check that I was all right. And so they did, twice. Then the medic asked me if I wanted to go to the hospital for more checks and I said no thanks. He had me sign some papers and let me go. I packed everything took the bike and went to sit in the shade. At 3:00pm a friend from San Diego joined me and we drove home...


I did not run and bike enough before the race. It showed up clearly in my ability on the course.


Overall, a great race, well organized, well equipped and supplied aid stations. Course was fairly easy to follow despite all the turns and u-turns. Lots and lots of volunteers that did a great job!
As I've been told before, I totally agree that it is a HIM beginner-friendly course, lake swim, and fairly flat bike and runs. Highly recommended!