South Carolina Half - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Surprising how rough the swim was for me. Initially had two people converge on either side of me and swim over the top of me. Not the best start, and was consistently jostled until the final turn back to the park.

Good enough swim overall, didn't burn much fuel but got roughed up a bit. start closed to the front or the back - got sucked into the middle and paid the price.

I have never biked 56 miles before this race, so it was a bit of a toss up how it might turn out. Nonetheless I trained extensively for 20-30 mile segments on the BRP hills around Asheville, so I felt like the distance would not be too bad. I was pleasantly suprised to feel good throughout the ride and clock in below 3:00 in my first 1/2. Might have pushed it a bit harder if I had known. Also, as a few others have noted, I froze the first 25-30 miles - wet feet became numb two miles in and stayed that way until I got off the bike.

Go at it a bit harder, and make sure the feet are DRY before I put them in the bike shoes.

Again no major problems here, other than almost face planting off the bike not realizing quite how numb my feet were.

If there was any disappointment in completing my first half-Ironman, it might have been in missing the 2 hour mark in the run. I did a 1:52 at the Asheville Half three weeks ago on a veryhilly course, and felt like 2:00 was doable. I came off the bike with lots of energy and very little tightness. The first six-seven miles were fluid and good pace. About mile 7 I hit the sun and just faded. Had spurts of energy, but never got it back consistently for the last 5 miles. Last mile was tough, legs got wobbily but finished strong up the hill.

Get run coaching.

Lots of fluid and hugs and kisses from family and friends. Walked to transition and gathered my gear, headed back to the truck. Lots of walking around after.


Overall for my first 1/2 I was very happy. Goal was 6 hours and I got it done in 5:38. Stepping stone to the full Ironman next year, will definitely get some tri coacking to move to the next level.


Only one comment - did a warm bath and Ibuprofen Sunday night. Very little soreness or stiffness Monday. Got a low-grade bug Tuesday, ran its course thru my body and the rest of the week, finished Friday at 182 pounds versus pre-race 190 weight. Finally feeling human again, invigorated and planning for next year!