Ironman Louisville - TriathlonFull Ironman

The line to get into the water really goes quite quickly once they get started, so don't think that just because you are back in the line that you'll have all day to wait. Furthermore, once you get closer to the start where you jump in, you've got to keep it moving pretty quickly.
I did have a goggle issue in the first 100 yards. I had to adjust them because they were a tad leaky...Quick fix. After that...no problem.
Oh! I do recommend doing one of the practice swims. I did mine Saturday. Only about 10 minutes or so, but it was nice to get moving and a feel for the water.

Nothing. I think I swam quite well for me. Even though I LOVE my wetsuit, I was glad wetsuits were not allowed because then I could prove to myself that I could do this distance in an event without one. (I'd gone the distance at least four times prior in open water, mostly with full-time kayak support).

Once into T1, our bags are all laid out for us. They show us the day before where they would be, AND they call out your number and wave to you so you know where to go, THEN they hand you your transition bag...very kind. Jump into the appropriate changing tent. Stepping out they put sunscreen on you if you want it. I did, but the volunteer putting it on me put on an excessive amount. I'm not saying all volunteers did, but I got a bit more than I bargained for and ended up scraping a lot of it off with an empty Clif Bar wrapper later on the ride. I used the available porta-john simply to empty my bladder so I wouldn't feel the need to within a mile on the bike. Something I would recommend. It doesn't take long.
Oh, you get your own bike off the rack, jog it to the bike exit, go to the mount line and get going!

If I had known I was going to get OVER sunscreened, I might have passed that up, but it was probably a good idea that I had it on because it was quite sunny. Other than that, nothing. Good transition.
The transition is in grass. I read reports that it could be muddy, but I didn't notice that at all this year.

I recognize that we got away with excellent and uncommonly cool temperatures today. I told my wife, "I don't think I can come back and do this one ever again because the weather will never be this nice." Race days for this event have traditionally been in the 90's. That would have taken it's toll I'm sure.

Nothing. I believe I executed my ride quite well. I didn't slack off by any means, but I didn't cook myself either. I was a little more aggressive than my first IM, perhaps more confidence, but I still stayed in control.

Transition was good. There is a rubber "bump" as you enter the driveway to go to the dismount line which you want to slow down for, but it's not a big deal. I guess it could be if you caught it too fast and at the wrong angle or if it were wet. Otherwise, cruise in, dismount, rack you bike, jog to the transition bag area...same drill.
I did feel like I was going to pass-out while in the changing tent, but that sensation went away. I hadn't felt like that until I got off my bike...not sure what that was all about. I changed my jersey. I wore a tri-jersey with three pockets for the ride because I wanted to carry my own gel (GU...Roctane...Clif Bars...etc). However, if you are relying on the house "stuff"...no need. I put on my GU tri-jersey and visor for the run, strapped on my Fuel Belt, etc. and was on my way. I would NOT recommend a Fuel Belt during the race with cool temperatures, but if it's hot, you might want something between aid stations. I ended up dropping mine off halfway through the run. I used the porta-john again before heading out on the run.

Nothing. I thought it went well. I could have done with out the dizziness, but so it goes.

Again, the weather was unprecidentedly cool. I know we got away with something, so if you plan to do this event, plan for the heat.
I did have some tight hip and sore feet issues, but I expeceted this.
Furthermore, the day before I wrote down mantras for each leg to keep me focused. Swim: "Strong, Steady, Confident". Bike: "Keep it moving!"
Run: "Keep going, you can do this!"
Oh! I did not use a special needs bag on the run either, but if you have a special need, by golly...use it!

I hit a button on my watch when I used a porta-john on the bike course and my watch stopped. I should have checked for that right away when I got out of the porta-john (any time I used the john I should have checked), but I didn't notice for at least half and hour. This became critical on the run because my finishing time was 12:00:59 and my dream time for this event was 11:59:59.99 (ie. sub-12 hours). If I could have checked my watch I think I MIGHT have been able to have obtained my dream time.

Walk to transition to get my bike and gear.


ME. I think I could have done a little better on the run, but only enough that I might have obtained my dream time. Nothing major. I think for the most part I did what I was capable of doing given my circumstances.


Ironman Louisville is a great event in a wonderful city. I believe it was well done. I realize we lucked out with the weather. I hope my report is helpful for those considering doing this event. I know I read almost all of the race reports from the previous year leading into this year. It was helpful to get many perspectives. Personally, I'm happy to have completed Ironman number two, but I will take next year off from Ironman events. Good luck! YOU CAN DO THIS!!!