Ford Ironman 70.3 California - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Had to be careful with my legs during the swim as they felt like they wanted to cramp.

Lots of contact through much of the swim. Was getting run over during the start and bumped into other waves in the middle and end.



Work on navigation after turnaround. Probably could have swam more direct to the swim exit.

Do more warming up and incorporate more stretching into the normal training plan. Felt I had to hold back on the swim to prevent leg cramping.

Tried to run quickly from water to T1. Was a bit more casual in getting helmet, nutrition, etc, set to go than normal. Put shoes on at bike and made long run in shoes to bike mount area.

Felt pretty well focused during the transition vs. being in a haze. Maybe I'm getting more used to drill now.

Felt good on the bike during the first half of the course up to the freeway crossing. Was averaging 22.4 then faced "the hill".

It was a bit steeper than anticipated. I was running a 12/27 rear cassette which normally would have been enough.

I figure I went out a little too hard on the front half making the hill effort more difficult than it should have been, particulary with all the hill training I've been doing in preparation for Breathless Agony. Was difficult to spin up at a comfortable tempo and I didn't feel I could climb standing up for very long.

Crosswinds had picked up on the back side of course after the hills. I was running a 30mm front wheel with a disc cover on the back. Someone asked how the bike felt with the disc on the back. It felt fine and I never felt like I was getting blown over or going to lose control.

The last leg of the back half had more favorable winds. I was able to settle in to a steady tempo. Things felt great at this point. A few others were shouting "go get 'em" as I went by which made me want to finish strong. However, next time I need to better figure out where to start backing off.

Nutrition: Ended up consuming a flask of gels (4), about 4 shot blocks, 2 bottles of cytomax, and 1 gatorade.

Dial back the effort a notch on the front end, get through the hills, then regulate the back half of the bike based on what I have left. Will probably use a 11/28 next time.

Also, in retrospect, I should not have a done such an intense training ride the Saturday prior. Did ~ 70 miles including 40 miles at near race pace test riding the front half of the course. Thought I could recover in time, but perhaps not.

I continue to learn more about pacing on the bike with every race. Having not yet invested in a power meter, this race has certainly illustrated it's potential utility. Optimizing to a particular wattage really seems to make sense in order to execute properly on the bike.

I took it easy in T2 also. Took my time getting nutrition sorted out. Sat down to put socks and shoes on. Grabed the full bottle of water I had left over from the last aid station on the bike. Squirted a bunch of it on my head which felt good.

I left a full sleeve of shot blocks in my jersey which was bouncing around on the run. Should have left it in transition and just ran with two gels.

Again, I ended up going out too fast from transition. After a half mile, after noticing my 7:00 pace, I cramped. I was so disappointed as I thought I had taken it a least a little easy on bike.

At this point, I needed to figure out if I could salvage any foward movement in the form of a run or if I would need to walk/shuffle my way throught the half.

At first I just stood there, trying to get things under control. Other racers who were passing by and spectators were shouting words of encouragement.

I was able to begin taking baby steps and by the time I approached the pier, was able to move into a 9:00 min/mile run.

I diligently restrained my pace in order to just complete the run without cramping again and having to walk.

The run was a mixed experience as I was happy to still be able to salvage a 2:00 time, yet I knew I still left a lot of time on the course.

Since I was taking it so easy on the run, I was able to really enjoy the scenery. The volunteers at the aid stations were wonderful. I also learned that I love the wet sponges they hand out. They provide a great means of carrying water to help down salt in between stations.

Also, I wasn't sure if my family was going to be able to make it to the race and was thrilled to see them on the run. That really lifted my spirits.

My goal next time will be to be able to come into the run fresh enough to run more at higher aerobic pace vs. being limited by the leg fatigue.

Limped past the massage tent. Don't think I could have laid still on the table without cramping.

Picked up pizza and then met up with the family.


This race was a total learning experience for me. I was happy to get through it without any mechanical problems or other major issues.






It seems this race is a perfect mini version of IMCDA with it's rolling hills and flat run course. I'm definitely happy to have this event in my own backyard and look foward to doing it in the years to come.

The only thing I could recommend is having a few more porta potties as the line got very long. I felt sorry for those who were still in line as race time approached.