Ironman Wisconsin - TriathlonFull Ironman

This was my first mass deep water start so I didn't really know what to expect but it turned out to be a really good experience.

Nothing. Everything worked out as planned.

Didn't have the wetsuit stripper take my wetsuit off at the swim finish, which I would probably do the next time, if there is a next time. The helix takes a while to run up. Just took it in short strides and tried to stay towards the outside where it wasn't as steep. This has got to be one of the longest distances from the swim finish to the changing room and then to picking up your bike. It goes by pretty quick though when you're actually racing.

Have the wetsuit strippers take my wetsuit off right away, after the swim.

Volunteers and spectators were great. The three sister hills went by in a snap on both laps as they are lined with people cheering you on with great enthusiasm.
Wasn't a big fan of the Ironman Perform sports drink but it worked okay for the bike. I stayed away from it on the run.
I was so paranoid about drafting that everytime I would approach someone I would sprint past them to get around as quickly as possible.
Starting to feel a twinge in my knee from ITB issues that I had been having a few weeks leading up to the race. I knew I'd have to walk a lot of the run but this was my first Ironman and I was 99% sure at this point I was going to finish so I tried to keep a positive attitude.

Try not to take it out so fast. I had more energy at the end of the ride than I did in training, however, I could have taken a little more time when passing people to conserve a little energy.

When you're at the top of the helix and dismount the bike, volunteers are there to grab your bike and rack it for you saving a ton of time in this transition. I grabbed my run gear bag and ran into the changing room. I decided at the last minute to change into my running shorts as I thought they might be more comfortable. Stretched my ITB for a minute and then ran out the door. I saw my wife and sister-in-laws right at the run start which was fun and gave me a boost of energy.

Nothing. Went pretty smoothly.

Just as I had expected my ITB issues revealed itself pretty much right away on the run so I resorted to running an walking. I'd walk for about 1/2 mile and then run until my knee started to bother me. About mile 14 I started to get stomach issues and tried a coke, which I've never done before and after one cup it was all cleared up. They really weren't joking when they said that stuff was "black gold." I would drink water and coke at each of the aid stations from then on until they ran out of coke around mile 21. Again the volunteers and spectators were awesome. The energy that they brought really helped keep a positive attitude though the entire run even though it didn't go as I'd hoped. I finished with a big smile and met up with family and friends afterwards and continued to take it all in.

Maybe start the coke a little earlier on the run. Hopefully get the ITB issue resolved before the next race so that I could actually run more of the race.

Lots of walking. Couldn't really eat much as my stomach wouldn't allow for it which was a bit of a dissapointment because the pizza smelled really good.


ITB


The race was very well organized. I can't say enough how much I appreciate the volunteer and spectators at this event. They were completely awesome and believe it or not made the race fun. I had a very good experience and while I'm not sure if I'll do another Ironman if I do catch the bug again I wouldn't hesitate to do IMWI again. I'm going to volunteer next year.