EagleMan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I know my time may not show it, but I felt really good on the swim for the first time ever. Yes it was choppy and the current on the way back was pretty stiff, but I was in the pack with my wave and passing people until I goofed. Just before the last buoy to the boat I started my turn. I didnt sight the last buoy I just saw the boat and started to hammer towards it. As I was sight I saw the pack way to the right and said to myself why are they taking such an extreme outside line to boat. Then it happened , during my breath stroke I saw the yellow buoy! I had to turn and swim hard before I would pass it and get DQ'd. Man, I blew it, I must have lost 5 minutes easy swimming across the current to go around the yellow buoy. I made around the boat and sighted perfectly back to shore. I still felt strong. What a strange GREAT feeling that was.

Sight that last yellow buoy. Get more roughr open water swim. Something tells me we (triathletes) ask for too much on race day, cool weather, not too hot, no rain, no wind, calm water, on and on. Train for the unexpected.

Transition was smooth, wetsuit came off easily, I put on socks, I normally dont for Sprints and Olys.

Nothing really, just do it faster.

I started off conservatively, just spinning getting my water down. About 4 miles in I started to hammer and felt really good. The head / crosswinds were tough. Seems to be a pattern this year. Every race I've done has had some serious wind. I spent the entire time in my big chain trying to turn big gear in the wind with a consistent cadence. I think this was a huge mistake. I should dropped to my middle ring with a higher cadence during the Windy sections. My legs felt really good on the ride and I passed a lot of athletes. Most of the athletes that passed me up had race wheels (Hmmm justifying a purchase here?). Somewhere around 30 miles my toes became numb on both feet, new shoes?

Ride longer distances, I really havent riding the necessary distances. Shifting and Ring strategy for courses and conditions. New road/tri shoes.

Took my shoes off on the bike coming in about 1/4 mile out. I was a bit nervous how my legs would react once they hit the ground, especially with my numb toes...everything went well, my legs felt good. The guy behind me and bike next to me racked akwardly taking most of my spot it took me a bit to get my on the rack. I took some water, Gu, grabbed my fuel belt and headed out.

Other than the rack space, it as great for me.

To my surprise my legs felt great and I had a nice bounce in my stride. I needed to use the john around mile 2 (too much water?), took 2 more enduralytes and some soda. I was doing good and feeling fine right up to the turn around. as soon as I turned it was like entering another dimension. Nothing felt right. My hammies got tight and my feet felt like bricks. This was killing me cause I felt great, my HR avg was around 157. I started to slow down considerably and walk throught the aid stations (I think that was a mistake too). At mile 11, I stopped and walked a little longer before reaching the aid station. On Mile 12,heading to the finish I decied to turn it up and fall on my face if I had to, but the legs responded a little and managed a nice stride across the finish line.

Trsin on longer distances more often and bricks, more bricks.

Crossed the finish line, took off my chip, grabbed a gatorade and SAT DOWN! Made it to the food tent and ate and sat down! Cleaned up my transition and hung out listening to the slot winners.


Conditions, training and nutrition. Learned a lot about all of these things in this race.


Crossed the finish line and to be honest was really pleased and happy to finsh. I wanted to do a sub 6 time going in but finiahing 6:15 is pretty good consideing the conditions, my HIM and I really did a poor job of trainig for this distance. What this race did do is prepare for how I need to train to finish 5:30 or less which is a time feel confidently chasing.

Oh and I really need to start using this thing they call sunscreen. Anybody hear of it? Supposedly it helps to keep you from getting sunburned. Could of used some cause I got BURNED.