Iron Star Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Really foggy in the beginning and that caused some navigation issues. Course got very shallow about half way through and everyone had to walk for 100 yards or so. This was my first race wearing a wetsuit and it was a solid swim for me. I was really worried about the cold outside temps but it was a non issue once we got going. Some bumping early in the swim but added buoyancy of the wetsuit kept that from being a big deal.

Navigate a little better but given the fog on the water it was unavoidable

UGH! SLOW! SLOW! SLOW! Didn't want to swim with tri top under the wetsuit because I knew I would freeze on the bike given the cold temps. Tried to dry off and put on tri top and jacket but it was tough. Waited to put gloves on once I was up and going and that worked fine. Had trouble getting clipped in for some reason. Lost alot ot time here but at least I was warm on the bike. Probably could have managed with one less layer but oh well.

Had to balance between staying warm on the bike and a slow T1. Still I should have been much faster

Felt solid through the first 60-70% of the ride. The headwind toward the latter part of the course really took me down a notch. Nutrition plan was 250 calories/hour through combo of Accelerade and gels and was able to do that. Was a little surprised that we got bunched up on the course until the out and back section where things seemed to thin out. Last few miles really dragged and I was ready to get off the bike.

Really hoped to average around 21mph but felt like I gave it what I had. Lost 1-2 minutes for a "P"it stop but needed to go.

Pretty decent time. Can't complain since I had to take off some of the clothes I put on during T1

Nothing

I actually liked the 3 loop course. I knew that I needed to do each loop in 40 minutes or less to break 2 hours for the run. After a quick "P"it stop right out of T2 I tried to work into a 9 minute pace. Right calf was tight and that worried me but eventually it loosened up. The course was unusual but it made for lots of spectator support through the transiton area and some of the neighborhoods. I knew I had to finish the run in around 1:58 to meet my goal of sub 5:30. After first 2-3 miles at easy pace I gradually was able to speed up a bit. Walked through several water stations to get a drink and wash down a GU Roctane-I think the little caffeine boost helped too. Have not downloaded my Garmin but was faster with each loop. Last 2 miles were 8:08 and 7:45 so I was able to push it to the finish. This was a solid run for me-never felt like I needed to stop and walk. Legs were tired but I felt good otherwise.

Nothing

Walked around a bit. Sat down and stretched. Glad to have finished my first HIM. Cleaned up transition and walked back to the hotel for a shower. After that I went back over for some of the post race food and to check results.


Nothing really. This was my last race of the season and I felt prepared going in


Really enjoyed the race location and convenience of staying at the resort hotel. Everything was very well organized and the volunteers were excellent. When I checked results soon after the race I was not listed. Went and talked with timing personnel and they did not have my run time. They quickly made the adjustment and posted the corrected results. I was impressed with their willingness to work so quickly to rectify this-especially since I wasn't in line for an award and they were still working the finish.