2005 Miami Man 1/2 Iron - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I was in the last wave of the race. The swim started a bit crowded with my wave's participants plus the other competitors going back into the water for their second loop. It was easy swimming with large buoys making navigation a breeze. There were a few people to draft with but I mostly swam in clean water the whole way.

Nada

It was a bit of a run from the swim to the transition area. I had quick smooth transition and a short run to the bike exit.

Nada

The course was great. The wind was strong coming out of the east at 15 - 20 mph. I kept the cadence high into the wind and cranked when I had a tail wind. I kept reminding myself to race my race. I made a conscious effort to keep on eye on pace and HR. I needed to have legs left for the run.
I felt fine towards the end of the ride. Last year after mile 48 I could not wait to get off the bike. I made sure I did not go too hard.
The funnest part of the race was catching Ramiro at mile 40.
I kept my caloric intake at 280 calories/hours.

Taken in more salt tablets. I only had one at the 2 hour mark.

Ran into transition barefoot. I racked and changed into running shoes, race belt and visor. I waited for Ramiro and ran out together.
I saw Billy on the way out and Martha a little further down the path.

Nada

I started the running feeling good. I ran the first 4 miles with Ramiro. At that point I stopped to get ice. Ramiro kept going. I felt the twinge of cramping at about mile 5. I walked on some of the unpaved portions of the course for fear of cramping. I completed the first loop and knew I was going to have issues with cramps on my thighs above the knee.
I got as far as mile 7 before I need to walk. I ran/walked up until mile 9. This is where my race fell apart. I walked more than ran the rest of the way. At mile 11 I knew my sub 6 hour goal was going to have to wait until next year.

I need to figure out why I always cramp up when I race this distance. This has happened to me at all 4 half IM races.

Great massage after the race.


Cramps due to dehydration and/or lack of electrolytes.


This is a great race. The course is challenging but rewarding. The weather was hot and windy just like last year. I will definitely do this race again.

I want to congratulate the gang.

Billy with an total domination over his AG. That was a spectatular performance to end the season. I am glad you called me back in June to tell me you were thinking about doing a tri. Look how far you have come in 5 months. We are all proud of you and your accomplishments with your health as well as triathlon. Enjoy the time now because we still have some work to do for next year. Here we come 2006!

Ramiro "The Ramster" Cortes for getting off his ass the second half of the season. He has not raced for 3 years and had a great race. You are our Half IM champion for this year.

Alfredo M for also getting off his ass and quitting smoking. You could have been in better shape for this, but my hat is off to you for staying the course and competing with us. What the hell dude? You beat me!

Keko for hanging with us on those long rides no matter how hung over you were. You are a crazy bastard!

Alfredo A for being there and ready to train with us even if you were not doing the race. Thanks for coming out and supporting us.

You guys are the best training partners anyone can have. I can definitely say that the journey with you guys is much better that the destination. How about we never get to the destination so we can have a good reason to stay on this journey?

Love you all