Firmman Half Iron Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Toughest part was getting out to the turn buoy. The waves were pretty big. I tried to dolphin dive when I was warming up, but ended up getting my goggles knocked off. So I just walked as far as I possibly could before I started swimming. Since this was my first crack at a half, I wasn't too concerned with having a slow swim start. Seemed to work out ok. Once I made the turn I got into a rythym and started to swim better.

Not much. I'm a slow swimmer, so I just sighted off the swimmers in front and beside me and that seemed to work out ok. Got knocked around pretty good by the waves on the way back in, but it was better then having them in your face.

My first event with wetsuit strippers! I took advantage as I am usually a klutz getting out of mine. Then walked the bike out to transition and was off and on my way.

Not much. Didn't feel a need to rush like in a sprint or oly. My goal was to finish in under 6 hours, so didn't feel the need to rush through everything. Not real fast, but not too slow either.

Tried to stay within myself. Could have pushed the pace, but wanted to save energy for the run. I felt I was consistent throughout the bike portion.

I saw alot of flat tires (about 20, and I'm sure there were more behind me). Seemed like alot to me anyway. But again this was my first half, so it might have been normal. The course seemed to be in ok shape to me, but some said the shoulders had some debris. One of these days the law of averages will catch up with me and I'm sure I'll have to deal with a bike issue in a race.

Not much - I thinking fueling on power bars early in the ride helped.

Tried these new laces that day that you don't need to tie, you just slip into your sneakers and go. I know I am not supposed to try anything new on race day, but it worked out for me.

I was a little concerned with the run as I emphasized swimming and biking when training for this. The run is usually my strongest event, so I focused on the 2 others. Was pleasantly surprised, felt good the entire race - took water at every water stop which seemed to help.

Not much really - just tried to stay within myself.

Walked around then sat on the beach with my friends and family. Nice to have the support there. I've done races by myself, so this was a good change.


I could have trained more I suppose, but I was happy considering it was my first half iron event.


I liked this race, but really have nothing to compare it to since it was my first half. But I have done other distances and I was happy with this race from an organizational standpoint.