Swim
Comments: The swim was amazing. There was a lot of talk about current/length of swim, etc. Prior to the start, I figured an average swim would be 1:05, good, around 1:02 and bad around 1:08. What would you do differently?: Go out harder and definitly draft better. I tend to settle into too easy of a rythm. Also, not have one of my goggles leak and swim half with only one eye, since the saltwater stung. Transition 1
Comments: I really took my time here. The change tent was full, so I went in, than out and applied body glide everywhere...while there was a camera guy filming me. I think he eventually noticed what I was doing and then turned the camera away. I also helped someone with sunscreen and got help myself. What would you do differently?: I could have been a little quicker. I had too much stuff in my t-1 bag. Bike
Comments: Got on the bike and was crusing along at about 22-23 miles per hour thinking how easy this was. Someone by me said the same thing as he was passing. Then, a little headwind, slowed down to about 19 or so. Turned along the coast, no protection, cross/head winds were strong and got stronger as the day went (3 laps). I was starting to go 15-16 on this section (13 miles). Saw a lot of people really straining and I think this hurt them. I managed to take it easy the entire ride, perhaps too easy, but the wind was tough. Initially, I thought I'd go around 5:35-5:40, even with some wind. Wasn't prepared for this wind though. I also lost 10 minutes trying to find my special needs bag, but oh well. What would you do differently?: Go out a little harder. I left some out there, but it was my first Ironman and my run is usually my weakpoint. Well, I ended up (ranking-wise) having my run be my best for this race. Also, for some reason my feet were killing me. I rode the last 4 miles with my feet out of my shoes. Transition 2
Comments: Took my time, was starting to get sore from the bike, applied "warming" body glide...not a good idea for sore areas. Run
Comments: I had planned on running between 8:45-9 minutes per mile and this was what I started out at for the first loop. Second loop, I started to walk the aid stations to get fluids. I was sick of gels and gatorade, so everything I took was from the stations, which was bananas, oranges and coke. I bet I ate 10 bananas, 15 oranges and 9 cans of coke. The second loop was closer to 10 minutes/mile. The last loop, I started to slow down and was closer to 11 min./mile. For some reason, with two miles left, I got re-energized and ran it in at sub 8:30/mile, passing a lot of people. What a great experience. What would you do differently?: I was only able to get one run further than 13 miles since March 2008, so I would train for the run a little better. Also, work on pacing. I had some left at the end, but I also didn't want to have to walk it in. Post race
Warm down: LOOOOONG massage, pizza and walking aroiund barefoot to get my stuff cause my feet hurt so bad. What limited your ability to perform faster: Wasn't able to train as much as I would have liked, but I'm happy. Event comments: Great race, especially the swim venue. Last updated: 2009-12-09 12:00 AM
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Mexico
82F / 28C
Sunny
Overall Rank = 329/
Age Group = 30-34
Age Group Rank = 66/
This was my first ever Ironman. Also did my first ever half this year as well, so didn't have anything special for the pre-race. Woke up at 4 and ate a bagel with peanut butter, took 3 salt tablets and ate a banana. Had a cup of coffee and sipped on water until 5 when we got in the cab for the race sight.
Lots of pictures and sweet dance moves to the music that was blasting. Early on, there was a disco-type light, so that got the party started obviously. Walked on the dock, got in and waited for the start.