Ironman Louisville - TriathlonFull Ironman

I swam what I consider to be a smart race. I started out conservatively, settled in, and picked it up toward the end.
The first 3/4 of a mile were a bit congested, and though I had to do some weaving around people, I felt like I always had space.
The middle portion of the race went well. I was steady and confident. At the last bridge, with .4 of a mile left, I was able to remain strong.
My ability to bilateral breathe paid of many times throughout the swim. It helped when I was relaxed, and helped when I needed to single-side breathe on either side, depending on where people were swimming around me.

I wouldn't have changed how I swam. I believe I swam a smart race for me and had a P.R. by about seven minutes. However, I attribute much of this to the current of the river, because I heard several others who had substantial P.R.'s. It only makes sense.

I was able to jog gingerly to get my Bike Bag and make my way to the changing tent. This was an unexpected surprise because I didn't know if my Achilles would be up for that type of movement.
The changing tent volunteer was very helpful in pulling my singlet down for me. By myself...it probably wouldn't have happened. The dry garment over my wet body simply would not have agreed.
I hit the bathroom before heading out to my bike.
When I went to go get my bike I thought I was in the wrong isle, so I ducked under the rack and started looking at the rack next to mine. I realized I was in the right place the first time and had to duck back under to remove my bike from the rack.
I got on my bike after the dismount line and was on my way.

I usually do a walk though of the transition from the direction in which I will be traveling, but for whatever reason, I didn't do this. As a result, I had the misunderstanding with the racks once I was ready to ride.

I had a solid ride. In fact, it was a P.R. for me. I think I was smart in my execution for the most part. I don't think I did any portions to fast or too hard. I believe I allocated my energies fairly well. Having said that, I believe I lost some energy in the last 12 miles because I didn't have enough agreeable nutrition. I could have used another bag of GU Chomps. Furthermore, in the fist half of the ride I am confident that I didn't take in enough fluids.

Pack a little bit more of my favorite nutrition for the last miles.

Having the volunteers take my bike at the end of the ride is always a cool arrangement. It has me feeling like a pro.
I took my cycling shoes and helmet off after giving my bike away, and I walked to get my run bag. I didn't want to jog because my Achilles had moments of soreness on the bike.
Again, I hit the bathroom before heading out.

I think I had a reasonable transition and I did what I had to do, so no complaints here.

I knew going in there was a good chance I would have to walk the entire run segment of the race. I walked 19 miles of it before attempting to jog. I first jogged from mile 19 to 20. At this point I realized I was asking my Achilles too much. I set the timer on my watch for 4 minutes/2 minutes. This way I would run 4 minutes and walk 2 minutes, and keep repeating this interval format.
Around 24 miles or so my Achilles was a bit tight, and I had blisters on the bottoms of my feet (on the pads;forefoot) that were about the size of a quarter. I wasn't used to these type of blisters because I don't get this type of blister from running. Anyway, these variables had me hobbling pretty good toward the end, so I decided to wait until the last turn to start jogging again. Ultimately I was able to jog down the 4th Street Live corridor. It was nice to be able to at least jog along the lines of cheering fans and into the line, and across the finish line!

I don't think I could have done much more on the run during this race. I believe I did what I could do. When you see the "Good" qualifier, it is because I did my best given what I was dealt. This is not a fast run for me by any stretch if I am healthy, but it was good on the day.

Walked with my family to our van, and then walked to get my morning clothes bag from the designated area.


My Achilles tendon injury limited my ability to run. Otherwise I would have been shooting for a sub-12-hour effort.
However, on the day, nothing limited my ability to perform. I couldn't have asked for better conditions.


I am thrilled that I was able to participate in and complete Ironman Louisville for a second time. It was a rewarding experience from beginning to end.
I am thankful for a lot of things, but particularly my family and friends who supported me from at the race and at home, and BT crew that was on hand at the race. I was inspired by all them.
This was a very bare bones version of my race, I intend to provide a much more detail account for my blog and then in my book, The Road to Ironman Louisville 2011, A Man, a Journey, and 140.6 Miles of Swim, Bike, Run. I hope to have it out in the next month or so.