Musselman Half-Iron Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Swim was crowded and picking through the waves ahead. Got real tired of getting around breast strokers. Goggle started to leak 3 strokes in. I was hoping it would just stopped but soon it was full. I needed to stop when I had a clear stop and reset. No prob after that.

Got into the canal without hitting a kayak so that is a plus. Canal was slightly cleaner this year but it got warm like the wetsuit heated up some. Swam up the boat launch as far as I could and hit the carpet. No mussels cut.

OK so half through I was passing green caps and felt there is a good chance to catch and pass the boys.

Set my goggles on tighter. Maybe train a little more.

Man lots of people in and going out. I thought I was moving well but as usual slow. Got suit off and hit the sunscreen. Then helmet, shoes, and glasses. Grab bike and still slow.

Move faster I have no idea.

Some chick nearly ran me over getting out of the T1 and then I pass her before getting onto the road. Man think. Its a 56 miles does the extra 5 seconds make a dif? I enjoyed this ride. First 15 miles it was very crowded. Did my share of passing. Got passed by the stick people on the disc wheels. Lots of them liked to draft. Often 3-4 would buzz by within 5 feet of each other. I did however pass two disc wheels and to many flats about 10 I think, one broken rear derailure.

Had a gel or cliff blocks every 10 miles or so. Stopping around 45 miles or so. Stayed with water only letting the gels and blocks come make up electrolytes and calories. Seem to worked well. No idea how much water I drank.

The girls in grass skirts weren't hulu'ing so I had stand up and give them a little shake. Little cheer for me thanks. The Lady in the very pink skirt sent me on the way home. I appreciate the cot the couple in Ovid put out for me so they said but I'll have take advantage of it when Mike isn't chasing me. Around the down hill in Ovid the cycleputer puked and stopped working. Oh well I'm pushing at a good pace but not enough to bonk. Fly down to the Seneca Lake shore and head north. To me that is the longer part of the 56 miles. It is a slight up hill for like 10 miles or it seems that way.

Lose weight so as not to get passed by everyone I passed for the last 10 miles.

OMG do not walk two wide with bikes in the Transition chute. Dumb asses. I came in well but knew I hadn't hit my goal of under 3 hours but has not seem Mike. Changed into shorts, under a towel. shirt, hat slipped calf sleeves on but not up, socks, shoes and sunscreen.

Hi to Jackie and off. Rob right out side T2, high five and off.

Hot, hotter then last year for sure. Again I must be ahead of the boys.

I know need to run as much as I can. I hit the one mile stopped to pull up the calf sleeves. First rest stop hit the head and peed. Good gotta be drinking well. Take ice and water. Got to pass the leaders going the other way before the course splits. Always great to see but little disheartening I have 13 miles to go.

Moving fairly well along the lake shore hit reststop two. Mamma T is there with chips. Amy is there and give me a big hug. I'm like I'm all sweaty, "Oh well". Hit the tunnel to the land of hills. Run to the first joke. It a climb up a side yard. I have yet to see anyone run it. Nice crowd at the top to cheer you up. Third rest stop. Kids manning this things are doing a great job. I'm waiting for mile 4 as Tina told me that is where the single digits in miles left. Mile 6 catch up with three clowns on bikes. Oh wait its Ed, Doug and Jamie rooting Dale on and all others. It is right before the dirt road to hell and back. It's about 3/4 mile of down then back up of rough gravel and rock. They put the rest stop half way up the other side to make sure you get up. Take some electrolytes and HEED, sponges and ice. Mile 7 comes up OK if they catch me now they have to make up a minute a mile to beat me. Yeah doable again I think. Starting to hit more downhill then uphills. Rest stop 7 tell Cindy to get up I gotta sit. She laugh hands me water and tells me to get lost. No hot dog this year. Boo hoo. Some nice downhills. Starting to get a little harder to keep the pace up. Running/walking with a small group. Good encouragement. The tunnel OK up to 3 minutes a make up if they catch me. I figure I need to push and finish it clean. 1/4 mile out, oh Hi Connie, Oh Hi Dud. Around corner get a good Julie and the girls cheer me in and want to know who is winning. I'm on auto pilot and push home.

Cross the line at 6:29 or so, minus starting wave should be close to last year.

Run more.

Got water, metal and hit the kiddy pool for and ice bath. Wait for Miekand Ken. Go and get Pizza before its gone. Grab a coke and juice. Head back out to the finish line. Turn out and watch Mike run it in. Nice. Start walking over and pass a guy sitting against a tree, oops it Ken. Hey Ken. He lift a finger with a great deal of effort. OK sweating know your name, how about some coke. Mike is in the ice bath. Give him the juice. Back over and Ken is rallying a little. Connie shows up. J must be getting the kids into the Kids tri. Y is taking a nap at home.


Physical ability. Good mental effort.


Great day, great weekend, great friends. It's go it and a steak dinner!
I'm sure I am making this harder on myself for next year.