Ironman 70.2 Mooseman - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

This swim was funny. It was very congested and physical at the start. Bigger field than I got used to last season. But I really thought I was doing a good job, swimming strong. I got kicked in the stomach more than once, and even had someone put their hand right on my head and push it down - but I just kept fighting and resisted the urge to pop my head up and breast stroke to freedom. Finally the beatings stopped so I really started to focus, then the wave behind us of the over testosteroned middle aged men caught up. They're a treat. More being dunked under - but anyhow - I just stayed my course and really thought I was swimming very well. I am a little disappointed with my time because I felt like I was strong and I was not swimming lazy.

Swim all by myself. :)

Don't even talk to me about this transition. So the strippers were "aggressive". :-) My goggles and cap went flying one way and my garmin - which was in my hand so I have no idea how this happened - went flying to an undisclosed location. Picked up the wetsuit, found the goggles and cap right away - realized Garmin was missing. Crap. So I looked - it's not anywhere to be found. Finally I looked about 10 feet from the strippers - found it underneath the flap of the warming tent. This did not improve my transition time. Then when I got back to my spot - I was a little discombobulated.

Not let my Garmin fly off into parts unknown and try to just keep my wits about me - and I need to set up my transition spot a little differently so I can get to my towel just to wipe my feet - I put everything on top of my towel - not sure what I was thinking.

I was afraid of this course going in. Having done one loop, I knew it was going to be hard. So I tried to keep in control on the way out to the first hill - just being steady and strong - not lazy - but not biting at every person who passed me. Then I got to the big hill - big goal here was to make it to the top without getting off. Did that. Fun downhill. Turned onto 3A and of course there was a headwind. Great time to fuel though - nice and flat. The hill on 3A I didn't remember at all from doing the course with Mike. That's when I got lapped by the #1-4 men. Haha. I had periods of being restless and thinking this sport was stupid - and then went up the hill again and was very proud to make it to the top without as much issue as the last time. So that felt good. Then it was all about staying strong to the end. I'm pretty happy with my average power. Not surprised at my average cadence due to the climbing. Disappointed at how poorly I compare to the field on the bike - guess everyone else found the course easier than I did. But I did what I thought I had to do.

Not sure really. I did what I set out to do and felt I did the best I could.

My transitions are weak - but I thought this one was good for me. Not sure how the heck it took 2 minutes 48 seconds. Can't figure out how to look at anyone else's transition times. Oh well - this one was what it was - although I did wear a jacket on the bike and had to take that off - that was different. But otherwise I didn't do anything crazy stupid like in T1.

Nothing I don't think.

This was a good run for me. I went out a teensy bit fast - then settled in, and then slowed down too much at mile 4 - managed to push myself for the next 4 then got a little tired for a few. Oops. Pushed myself nicely for the last 2. I felt good during the run. Was happy with my intake. A little scattered on the run/walk because I was just walking at aid stations and they weren't easily spaced.

Keep pushing harder mentally. I had it in me - mile 9 was leading to the turnaround and I was feeling like I wanted to be done, so it was harder mentally than physically. This was still a half-iron half-marathon PR so I was happy.

Walked a few minutes - Had some food and a water, then stretched out. Couldn't do all my stretches but gave it a good go.


Fear of the bike course killing me, lack of strength on the bike, being a bad swimmer and losing my garmin - geez, what didn't limit my ability to be faster.


I say the overall course was just right based on my ability - but it totally kicked my butt. But I can't say it was "too hard"... because then I have no business going for the Ironman in 7 weeks. What I feel best about is how I feel today - the day after. I feel great. All loose and happy - walking up and down stairs just fine. Yoga was fine. I didn't feel like a tin man. Last night I ate protein for dinner, showered, put on my compress Rx shorts and calf sleeves and laid down - went to bed at 9pm - woke up at almost 8am - and just feel really good. So I think that's awesome news.
I'd like to have performed better on paper, but as I break down the race, I think I did really well for me. Just that everyone else did better. :-)
I am also a little concerned because as I laid in bed last night - I realized I would still be racing at that time in 7 weeks. As I got off the bike yesterday, no part of me could imagine going for 2 more loops. The bike is the toughest for me mentally... big time. And as I was running - I thought during the Ironman there would be some more walking... especially up that hill into town. So it was hard not to have the full race on the brain - good training - but scary at the same time. Good overall effort and race.