Ironman USA Lake Placid - TriathlonFull Ironman

Had a really good swim. The first leg out to the bouy was really crazy. I seeded myself much closer to the line this time and it was like a washing machine at times. Contact was heavy but I could deal with it. It was the chop and splash that caught me off guard several times and I swallowed some liquid lake. Had to stop swimming at one point to cough it out. Gained my composure and made my way to the line. Took it easy on both loops but not too easy and I felt really great coming out of the water. New sleeveless suit really felt comfortable. I may never wear sleeves again after this swim!

Not much, cut over 5 mins of time from 2008.

Tried to speed this up a little this year and did do better, but still could cut 2 more minutes here. Overall not bad.

Move quicker!

First lap was pretty uneventful other than saw a blocking penalty about 4 miles into the race before the Keene descent. Don't know about everyone else but I saw a lot of marshalls out there on the course. I find it funny that everyone treats them like when they see cops on the turnpike. Even if you aren't doing anything wrong you get nervous and everyone slows down! The Keene descent was a little windy but not too bad. Took it fairly easy and only hit 47.5. Saw my family on the first climb up 86 and gave them the thumbs up. I looked at the clock for the first time and realized I was 15 mins ahead of what I told them to expect. A good sign because I did not feel like I was pushing. Soon I was going up Papa Bear and his long tail (Northwood Rd) and back into town.
Second lap was a little slower and the wind started to pick up, especially on the downhill. I got a nice wobble going down to Cascade Lakes and it scared the crap out of me. My wheels were catching some serious wind. I took the next two hills much more cautiously with my knees practically wrapped around my top tube. Rest of loop was uneventful. I did make sure I enjoyed the scenery as it was a picture perfect day and well, I've earned it. Saw family again on 86 and got a kiss from the wife....always nice...or is that getting assistance? One last surprise was the family made it back into town and were right behind the high school just prior to transition. Was great to see them again...a bonus!

Not much, I cut almost 40 mins of my time from 2 years ago.

Spent a little too much time here. Most spent removing socks to put on vaseline and then putting socks back on. Worth it though as you just can't chance a blister.

I never felt fantastic on the run, but I never felt like I was dying either. I have mixed feelings here as I had thoughts of sub 4hrs and that is the only target I did not hit in my wish list. I did cut 14 mins off my previous IMLP marathon and was not far off 4hrs so I really can't complain. Saw my family 4 different times during the run and that was really a boost for me! They along with the crowds in town really do carry you through that section. After I turned left at the oval for my second lap I looked at my watch and figured the first lap was around 1:55. I knew it would be really hard to get 4hrs so I just focused on maintaining my pace and turnover. Talked to several people I was playing leap frog with during the second loop. That helped pass the time. Saw many people I knew out there on the course which was also great. I started to do the math in my head from about mile 16 on to see what my finish time would be. I knew I had a shot at going under 11:30 and focused my attention on that goal. I did have to walk for a while up the hill into town but only to the traffic light where you turn left. I ran up and to the right from there and it felt good to know that I was in the home stretch. At mile 25 I had 12 mins to break 11:30 so I just needed to hold my crap together and I could do it. There is nothing more magical than hitting that split off and turning towards the oval knowing you are on the second loop and are oh so close to the line! You hear the crowds and you don't feel the pain anymore. The last run around the oval seems so effortless to me and is such a blast. Family was literally right at the finish line along the fence and I got some hand slaps from them as I went in for the photo op. #2 in the books and I had broken 11:30! A really good day!

I will break 4 hours next time...maybe 3:45...that's talking smack!

Got my shirt, medal and hat and made my way back to the family. Collected my gear and was on the road back to the house within a half hour. Showered, had a little dinner and came back for the final hour finishers. What a fantastic time that was!


I said this would be my last IM for a while and it probably still will be as they just take too much time away from the family to train properly. That said, during the car ride back to the house I told my wife that I think I could do a 10:XX next time! It really is addictive! Did not sign up for next year. Maybe 2012 or 13. We shall see. I do love this area and the family and I stayed up here for 5 days after the race enjoying all that it has to offer. Whiteface on Monday, Ausable Chasm on Tuesday, swimming on Wednesday, and just hanging out in town on Thursday. We would sit on the back deck and have an outdoor fire everynight making smores! I owed them this kind of family time for all the support they gave me during the past 12 months. I owe them much more than that of course!

One last huge thank you to all the volunteers out there and the community of Lake Placid for letting us race in your beautiful part of the country!