Ironman Florida 70.3 - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Being my first open water swim, I had trouble swimming straight and sighting the buoys. I got better at it as the race progressed. One guy from the wave behind me passed me by grabbing my leg and pulling himself by me. Definitely an experienced move pulled on a newbie like me. I will be ready for it the next time and kick appropriately.

Swim straighter and sight the buoys better. I probably swam at least 1.3 miles instead of the 1.2

No wetsuit, so no strippers needed. Probably about 200-300 yards from water exit to T1. Same area for T1, T2 and the finish, which was nice. I didn't think that I was wasting time, but apparently I was a lollygagger.

Practice transitions

Longer traning rides. By the end I was very ready to be off of the bike.

Little faster than T1. Changed shoes and shirt and that was it.

Practice and plan ahead better

Slow jog on the course and walked the aid stations. It was hot and sunny and I got sunburned. Got chafed underneath my arms by my shirt. Didn't notice any sunscreen or lube at the aid stations.

More / better sunscreen and lube.

Walked to and got back in the lake to cool off. Drinks and pizza provided by the race.


Heat, humidity and my lower training volume. My goal was to finish and not wind up in the medical tent and I did that. My family saw one guy much fater than me fall out about 100 yards from the finish and could not get back up. I saw him being taken out on a strecher to the ambulance. I hope that he was ok.


The race was in typical hot, humid Florida weather for that time of year, but it changed over the next two days. The next day would have been perfect, temp lower, cloudy and no rain until at or near race end. Two days later would have been awful, too cold and very heavy wind and rain all day. Overall the race was set up very well and I would do it again.