Toyota Challenge 1/2 Ironman (Formerly Pineman) - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I was swimming OK but really didn't get into a grove until the last quarter.

I hit my goal of 35 minutes

Maybe a wetsuit?

Dropped a cliff bar that I stopped and went back ten feet for.

Flying mount? Fuget about it. - I barely got on at all.

Practice Practice Practice.

my computer decided not to work. i paced with a few people most of the time - with the guy who was 3rd in my AG mostly.

my aero bottle didn't fit right in my new aerobars (replaced last week b/c the old ones broke). the rubber bands didn't keep it straight or tight and eventually broke. i tossed it and my shirt to a friend at the turn around before lap 3.

i hit my 20mph goal!

test equip - even seemingly insignificant stuff. maybe do away with aero bottle all together.

nothing really went wrong here - i just didn't rush. there was a little traffic as well.

SOCKS!!!! Get some tri specific shoes

I went shirtless (removed 2/3 of way through bike) and didn't use sunscreen. I didn't wear socks. I didn't take in enough calories before the run. Result? Sunburn, mild dehydration, several large blisters, out of energy.

The first half was decent. My mistakes cost me over 5 minutes in the second half.

Use sunscreen even if I think I don't need to. Drink even if it may make me need to pee. Wear socks - the 10 seconds to put them on is worth it. Eat another Cliff bar toward the end of the bike.

I walked to the water and waded.


Nutrition / hydration plan was the primary cause for finishing below ability.

Not testing everything in race conditions was my second biggest mistake.

Insufficient long training days was the 3rd limiting factor.


This was a nice redemption for HFP - I started my season at Miami of Ohio and they really gave me a bad first impression. This race was well organized and run. It was my first HIM and I am 50/50 on doing another. It made me realize I am not ready for IM yet.