Challenge Barcelona - TriathlonFull Ironman

Not enough bouys. I found that the were not a lot of rescue boats in case of ...

Took me time to make sure I did not forget anything for the bike. My choice was not to wear any GSP and heart rate monitor during the swim. So, I had to put the Garmin 310XT, the hear rate monitor, put my tri top on and take the food in my rear pockets. I run towards the bike with my bike shoes in my hands. I then put my shoes on that took my bike towards the start of the bike course (about 50 meters only).

Perhaps I need real triathlon bike shoes that I could leave on the pedals? Would I gain something? It would be more easy to run with the bike.

Excellent security along the route. Plenty of drinks and gels. This route was not technical at all, just some hills at the beginning of the lap.

I think I was too conservative. I should have targeted something like 5 BPM more on average. As biking is my strong point, I had the impression not to take full advantage of it.

At the end of the bike, I run with my shoes on towards my bike place. I then removed my shoes to run towards the transition area.There, it took me a long long time to change socks and to put the compression socks on arghh ... Also I took a running belt with me with 2 bottles and some gels. I put some gels in my tri rear pocket but they were falling on the ground several times ...

obviously I could gain at least 3 minutes there by using calf guards instead of compression socks which are difficult to put on. Also, I have to find another solution for the gels. The rear pockets are too small for that. Again using real tri bike shoes would be easier.

Well, the first 2 km were very good, at a pace of about 5min/km. Then I took a comfortable pace at about 5m30s/km. Unfortunately, around km 15, I got cramps in my legs (vastus lateralis). I was obliged to slow down and to walk several times while taking some gatorate at the aid stations. This was an interesting experience. A real fight against yourself to keep the motivation despite these "little" problems. While I was looking around me, most of peole has also to stop and walk. So, no complaints ;-)

I have to find some ways to avoid these cramps due to the long bike. Some friends advise me to take some sportenine every 1h during the bike part. I will try this next time.

big mistake I made ... Just after the finish line, there was a rest area for the athletes. I took some food and then sit on a chair. After 5 minutes I started feeling bad, like when you have stomach problems. I then decided to walk and had a good massage afterwards. So, good lesson, always stop progressively and keep moving.


Cramps during the marathon at the vastus lateralis. I not not tired and my heart race with within the expected limits.


I recommend this race. October is a perfect time to end the season. The Spanish people are fantastic all along the bike and marathon routes. Very motivating ...