Ironman Louisville - TriathlonFull Ironman

Really a nice swim. Water was warm, muddy and ran into a bit of floating debris as well as the odd arm or leg, but it was a good comfortable swim. This was my first Ironman distance, so the theme of the day started in the swim - hold back, take it easy, save some for later.

Not much. Maybe not wear a white top that turned brown.

Took everything at an even pace through transition. Tried to stay unrushed and not get tangled up. Stopped for a quick pee, then walked bike up through the shoot. It was quite crowded so I mounted and clipped in before rolling, also got to see family for a little boost. Had some food ready to go and eat - first few miles were flat so it was a good time to eat and drink.

Could have been a bit more agressive and got down to 5-6 transition, but was nice to come out clean.

Again the challenge here was to save something for the run. I knew the heat was coming and therefore started early with regular drinks, alternating between water and ironman perform. Held a steady comfortable pace throughout, never stopped, no mechanical issues. Watched the carnage develop as the heat and blown tires had people dropping out all over the course. The ambulance was a regular fixture going by. Really held back over the last 10-12 miles to get ready for the marathon.

Rode the course in July at 19.3 mph in similar heat conditions. Probably would push it a bit harder in my next one, but really wanted to be able to hold up on the run.

Again tried to keep it unrushed and heart rate down. Did complete clothes change to dry everything - that felt great. had some salt and vinegar chips which tasted great after so much water and perform. Did a pee stop and then started walking out of transition. Did that for a couple minutes up the chute, then realized I felt fine so I started running.

Start running right out of the tent. Not sure why I started walking - was expecting to feel worse I guess.

I don't know that a 5 hour marathon would have made me happy before the race, but upon finishing I was more than satisfied. It was just plain hot and tough going out there. It seemed there were many more walkers than runners. For my part, I ran everything except a couple of steps of walking at each aid station to drink/eat. Sponges at every station, cold water poured on top of me. As it turns out my only injury was a big toe blister from so much water in my shoes.

I could go on about a million things that would have increased my pace, but the reality is the heat took out every part of the plan except just keep moving and finish. Maybe in cooler temps I could have worked strategy a little better, but on this day it was pure survival.

little ice from the med center, relaxing at the hotel. Hot tub the next morning - felt fine after and good the rest of the week.


Heat and my own admonitions as it was my first.


The extreme heat also led to a bike aid station and some run stations being out of water. Didn't affect me all that much as I carried three bottles on the bike, but definitely seemed to be not so good for others. Otherwise it was a very well run race and a great experience. Lousiville fans and people was awesome, tons of support on the run and bike. Would definitely recommend it.