White Lake Half II - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Overall a pretty good swim for me. This was the furthest I've ever swam in open water. It was good to see that the bouys were marked in 100 meter increments which let you know where you were. It was also a reality check when I hit the 1 mile bouy thinking I was done but still had over 300 hundred meters left. Doooh! It's a 1.2 mile swim!
Bumped into the sides of a few people and likewise a few bumped into me. I ran into the feet of some a few times which through me off stride.


I should probably try to hold more of an "inside" tact. I kept to the outside lane, about 10 yards from the bouys.

Since the exit from the water was up some stairs from waist deep water, I decided to take the suit off before exiting the water. I had read somewhere that this was easier. For the most part it was but it still got hung up on my heels.
It was about 200 yards to the bike. Ate a gel, downed 4 Endurolytes and put on another pair of riding shorts. The Tri kit shorts are a little lacking in the padding dept.

Not much, thought T1 went well for a change.

Wanted to keep a 19 - 20 mph pace which I did. I would have been closer to 20 but the last 15 miles or so I was really feeling the effects. My lower back was aching and my seat was less than compfy. I was struggling to finish. I was actually looking forward to the run ahead!

Just need to spend more time in the saddle.

Sat on my bucket to change shoes, take the shorts off, and take some nutrition. Took another 4 Endurolytes with 4 Ibuprophen and tried washing it down with the bottle that had sitting there. Well, it's not easy swollowing a mouth full of pills with warm Gatorade - it came back up. Tried again (with different pills) with another bottle from the bike.
Grabbed my hat, shades and belt and headed out for the run.

Nothing. It went pretty well considering.

Started out ok getting the kinks out from the bike but developed a cramp in my right thigh before mile 1! I knew then that this was going to be a long run. I took water and Heed at just about every station along with ice sponges. I figured I walked at least a quarter of the distance. I couldn't even make it from station to station without walking in between. Today was a day where it felt good putting a cup of ice down the front of your shorts! I kept the cramps under control but the lactic acid build up was what did it. My legs were "dead". I'd walk it out for a minute or so and would only be able to run for another 3-4 minutes before having to walk it out again. Oh, did I mention that it was HOT!? Managed to finish somewhat strong the last mile and a half.


More long run training.

Grabbed 2 bottles of water after receiving my finishers medal. Walked back to my bike and began backing up. Finished one bottle of water and then added the other to my recovery mix container.
The thunder storms started rolling in which was refreshing. Walked back to the pavilion area and sat in the lake for a few minutes in the rain. Grabbed a soda and was waiting in line for a burger but the rain was coming down good and it was getting windy. Passed on the burger and went to get my gear and pack up the truck.


Need more distance training.


The race lived up to its reputation as a "heat fest". Was hoping to do better but as this was my first HIM distance race I can't complain.