Ironman 70.3 Boise - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Didn't have a good first quarter of the race. Could barely swim a dozen strokes then would have to stop and take a few breast-strokes. As I went further I was able to swim further between periods of breast-stroking. The last 1/3 I was doing about what I expected. Over-all time was less than what I expected. I think maybe my wetsuit was too tight around the shoulders at the start and loosened up the further I went.

I need to learn to navigate without having to do several breast-strokes. Also need to learn to draft.

Walked through the full transition area. Other than that the transition went pretty smooth.

Run.

I didn't mind the wind nearly as much as a lot of other people did. I especially liked the sections where I was able to do 24 mph while sitting upright and letting the wind push me along. I would have liked the first water station a little sooner, my bottles got hot sitting in the sun while I swam. Warm gatoraid isn't very refreshing.

I need a smaller front gear, couldn't gear down enough to maintain a good cadence while climbing several of the hills. And I need to drink and eat more during the ride.

Again I walked through the transition. Other than that it went pretty smoothly. Kept my shoes on till I raked my bike, don't like running on pavement barefooted.

Run

The run was a jog/walk for me. Run a few hundred yards then walk for 50. I was doing my normal workout pace while running, just couldn't keep it going.

I need to eat more during the last section of the bike ride to build up enough energy for the run. Don't think I ate anything the last 10 miles or so.

Since it was dark and cool by the time I finished, warm-down wasn't a problem, it was keeping warn in the slight breeze. The blanket they provided did wonderful there.


I think not having done one of these before was the biggest factor. Nervousness during the first section of the swim and not eating enough were probably the two largest factors.


Thanks to everyone that organized the event, manned the various aid stations, road crossing, or helped out in any way. Thank you.