Ironman Texas - TriathlonFull Ironman

Mass swim start was what you would expect (arms, heels, legs and hands) all over the place. I tried to be in the middle of everything to take advantage of drafting. Usually my breathing gets really fast at the start but this time I made an effort to steady breathing and was able to breath out from both sides. I felt pretty good going out and was passing some people in wetsuits. That boosted my confidence and focused on keeping my stroke long and finishing it.

The turn around buoy came up pretty quickly for me and I was excited to turn back and sight the bridge. I knew that I had to cut the corner and keep close to the island on the right. I did that a little too well as I ran aground. Got up and turned the right way and kept swimming.

Swimming in the canal was pretty exciting! I could hear people yelling and I got pumped up and felt like I was passing a lot of people. Hit the wall once and pushed off of it like I was in a swimming pool.

Saw the TYR flags and the swim finish. Grabbed a hand and started out to T1. Saw the time was 1:33 and change. I was happy with that time.

Go to swim class more consistently :)

I jogged to the bag area. Transition was easy. Took my time but moved with purpose. Easy to find my bike and ran out to the mount line.

Nothing

I was pleased with my bike split. I made a promise to myself and coach that I would not go hard on the bike. I did checks "am I hydrated" "how do legs feel" "Hungry"? I also tried to save energy by coasting and tucking in aero whenever possible (As long as I was in the 20s). The course changed slightly from my previous rides (over railroad tracks in Richards and towards the end of the course. I thought we rode to the Wal-Mart and turned right). The hills and curves were where I expected them to be. I was disappointed that we were stopped to let traffic trough twice!! Oh well, I did not let it upset me, however. When I saw I was close to the end, I was surprised I was going to finish sub 6. I was planning 6:15 or so.

Not really sure what I would do differently. I was pleased with hydration, eating and effort. Train harder next time?

Saw some friends volunteering at T2. Things went smoothly.

Nothing

My legs felt great the entire run! That is a IM first for me. Guess pacing on the bike helped immensely! Started out fast 8:30 and forced myself to slow down to 9:30 - 10:00. Made sure I hit each water station and drank perform, water and held ice in my hands. 1st lap kind of flew by. 2nd lap I did not have to "force" myself to slow down. I was running comfortable. Towards the end of the second lap, I started felling gassy and I started looking for port-o-pottys...Found my first and stood in line for it. Net of the 3rd lap, legs felt good but had to stop at port-o-pottys 4 times on that last lap. Missed my sub goal of running a sub 5 marathon. Legs were there but stomach was iffy


Looking back, I wonder if I had too much perform and too little water. I was worried about cramping and not having energy for the run. So, I did more perform than water. Not sure if that is the issue.

ate a lot!!!! Shower found some chaffing issues but all good.


Limited swim practice and stomach issues on run.


Pleased with my time but there is always room for improvement and looking forward to my 4th!!!