Ironman Florida - TriathlonFull Ironman

Should have been an easy enjoyable swim and was for the most part. The mass start caused lots of contact and crowding especially at turn buoys. Some called it a washing machine or a cattle drive across the Rio Grande. I felt good overall.

Stay on the inside of the buoys going out to avoid cattle.

Finding my bag was confusing, took several minutes to find it and exit bag corral. Then changing area was so crowded that finding room to change was hard. Overall, things moved very slow for me.

Practice changing in a phone booth.

Tried to keep HR at 120-125 and did well with that. Wore compression leggings, arm warmers and gloves which worked just right. Took off gloves halfway. Stopped to pee once at mile 45. Nutrition worked out well with a total of 5 bottles of Heed, 6 S-caps, and 5 Hammer gels for entire ride. Ate some Fritos and some sour gummy candies at special needs for a flavor break. Also drank a total of 2 bottles water at water stops.

Skip the gummy candies.

Dismount line area was crowded and wasn't planning on bike catcher taking my bike. He took before I could detatch my Garmin but someone was nice enough to retrieve it.

Practice with bag of clothes.

Started out feeling good with a 10:1 run walk ratio but had to modify at mile 3 as GI tract started acting up again. Had to stop at mile 5.5 for porta john stop. Felt better after that but legs started fading fast. Tried to keep up a 4:1 ratio after that but some miles were worse. Had some dizziness at mile 17-22. Summoned the strength to run in the last mile at a 9:00 pace but I was spent.

Much more long running training.

Met friend Shawn Wolf who was a finisher 'catcher'. He got me organized and warmed up.


Not enough run training. Digestive failure plaqued me again.


Great first IM experience.