Mooseman Triathlon Festival - Half Iron Distance - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

It was a bumpy beginning being more in the crowd than usual. I managed to navigate pretty well and get behind some people to get a nice draft. The only disadvantage to this was I think I could have had a faster swim if I had gotten out ahead and gotten into my own rhythm.

I would start out with more of a burst of speed to get clear water. After that I will settle into my own pace.

I also need to concentrate some on nutrition here also. Perhaps part of a Gu before getting in the water.

I did not really concentrate on having a fast transition rather a smooth one. I took extra time packing a some food and heart monitor strap.

For this race I will probably not use a heart monitor again and I will put items to change a tire in a second bottle on the bike. Less things to pack should save some time.

I felt good on the bike. I took it easy on the first lap to save a little energy for the second lap and ideally not leave myself to wiped for the run. I used a front water bottle with gatorade and an aero bottle with mostly water. I ate a gu and a granola bar (sweet & salty). I have had problems in the past with dehydration/upset stomach, so I really concentrated on the water but I think I went light on the food. I would occasionally get a headache which would seem to go away after I ate.

I need to eat more. I am going to start training without eating a big meal before I ride like I usually do so that I simulate a race situation a little more closely. I have to learn to get more nutrition on the bike so that I don't go into the run with a big deficit.

Transition seemed fine got the stuff out of my pockets pretty quickly but still messing with the heart monitor. I had to switch it from bike to run and get it off the bike onto my wrist.

I would have fewer things in my pockets and either have the heart monitor on my wrist on the bike or ditch it all together.

I started the run with the hopes of keeping a 9 - 9:30 pace. That thought was QUICKLY forgotten after running about a half mile. I slowed right down to roughly a 10:30 min pace with the hopes of keeping my heart rate around 145 - 150. I found that walking up hills did not lose that much time so I used that time to get the heart rate down a little and get fluids in at the water stations.

As I went into my second lap I would have to walk for periods of time to get some food down (GU) and drink a Gatorade and a water. At one point on the second lap I really did not feel good due to lack of nutrition. Once I got food down I felt better and was able to run rather than walk.

I need to get more of a set nutrition plan for both the bike and the run. Up until now I have been able to train with a relatively full stomach by eating before a long workout. This has helped mask my lack of a nutrition plan and on race day I was surprised by the lack of energy I had on the run.

Ate some food and had plenty of liquids.


Nutrition....lack thereof.


Overall I think I had a very good race. I really enjoyed racing with friends that were amazingly supportive. The honest hope for each other that we each have our best day is probably what I enjoy most when competing in this sport.

Having a coach to help with training has proved invaluable and this is most evident when I compare this race to last year's Timberman. In the swim I improved roughly 10 min, the bike roughly 15 min and the run is faster by over an hour! I keep on improving like this I could really be fast next year! ;)

I can't wait to come back next year.