Ironman 70.3 Branson - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Overall a very good swim. I took it quite easy as I was intimidated by seeing the buoys. It looked like a long way, but I felt 100% comfortable and relaxed the entire swim.

transition was slow, but I wasn't really pushing for a fast transition.

This is where I came undone. I was not physically prepared for the hills (6000 feet of climbing) or the heat (90-95 + 100% humidity). By 1/3 of the way, I lost steam. By the end I was starting to cramp and had lost strength.

Train hills.

Not a bad transition, but again, I wasn't looking for speed at this point.

Nothing but cramps. First lap: 50/50 run/walk, but the cramps were setting in badly. Second lap: tried to pick up the pace buy every muscle in both legs were cramping badly. A few times I staggered and struggled to stay upright. Third lap: I cramped so badly I hit the ground. I couldn't even walk fast, so it was a struggle to meet the cutoff. Crossing the finish line I hit the ground again.

Lack of proper training for the hilly course.

Lack of heat acclimation.

I lost 10 pounds on this course. 10 pounds!


A fantastic event. Had I been more properly prepared, I would have loved it. Now I have to decide if I'm going to try and repeat it.

I should point out that out of 1357 registered racers, only 981 finished. In my age group, 201 registered, and only 136 finished.