Muncie Endurathon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Too much distance wasted to poor navigation & search for some open water. Swam into a few slower swimmers & took a kick to the chest for my trouble. Went around a few who stopped suddenly to rest. On return swam straight to the big air dancer, which unfortunately was left of actual beach exit. Legs wobbly on exit with quad cramp. Stepped in a rocky hole & hurt L 3rd toe (more on that later). Swim was faster than indicated since I was slow hobbling up the long run from water to the timing mats & transition area.

Arrive earlier to look at swim & transition areas. Better navigation. Continue swim training. Only started swimming seriously 19mo ago so can't be too disappointed.

Slow running up the hill to timing mat & T1.

Pace swim better to have some legs for T1. More T1 practice.

Around mi 11 felt left foot numb (swelling) so loosened shoe strap. Knew my HR was too high, but in too much of a rhythm to throttle back. Saw many drafters but resisted temptation to grab a wheel. Nutrition was 4 gels and a Cliff bar.

Cut pace a bit.

Lost ~30sec finding my bike. Otherwise OK. Elected NOT to try starting with shoes clipped on bike. Grabbed my Garmin Edge 305 off the bike & carried it on run to check HR/paces. (It fits nicely in SpiBelt BTW).

More time studying transition layout pre-race.

Slow despite the high HR. Around mi 2 noticed L foot (3rd toe) was sore. Started overpronating L foot. Per plan I walked aid stations (which were great!). Kept cool with the wet towels & ice in top & hat. Had 3 gels & couple e-lyte capsules during run. Despite high HR tried to push pace in mile 7- MISTAKE. Calves started cramping so slowed pace back down. Queezy at mi 9-10. L toe hurting. Cramps so bad in last mi I could only run 100-150yds at a time.

Control my pace to within target HR zone. NOT injure my foot ;)

Walked to hydration tent for fluids, then hobbled around tent city.


L 3rd toe turned out to be broken (fortunately non-displaced). Always could have trained more. I know enough to better pace the swim & bike, but at least I finished my 1st HIM.


Outstanding organization. Great hometown feel with LOTS of community support. Volunteers were GREAT, and many local folks came out to cheer on the athletes out on the course.