Ironman 70.3 Pocono Mountains - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

No T1, swim was cancelled. I said they should have made us put on our wetsuits, get our feet wet, and then run into transition and do a T1.

Started out a little quick, but felt fine, never felt like I had burned out my legs at any point. Maintained a good pace, and didn't have to brake on many downhills except in traffic. Due to the time trial start (which for everyone but the pros meant pretty much nonstop one after the other), there was a good bit of congestion, but nothing unbearable. Had to walk the last big hill on Turkey Hill Road, but so did 90% of the other people. Those did manage to climb it on their bikes were moving only slightly faster than us walkers, and it was a tough hill to climb on foot! Had a great ride though.

Definitely need more hill work. Need a better food plan, had trouble getting stuff out the plastic bags stuffed in my jersey, but it wasn't that hateful. Also probably could have drank a little more on the bike. Even though I had to make 2 pitstops on the run, I have a feeling I was a little dehydrated.

I did run the bike as much as I could. We were setup in the outfield of a baseball diamond and it was a bit muddy due to all the rain the night before. I didn't waste time, but had to strip off my tights and arm warmers, changed my socks, put on my race belt, and dump a good handful of Gold Bond powder down my shorts.

Nothing really. If there were more port a johns in T2, I would have used them instead of waiting until the aid station at mile 1.5.

Whew. Well I was out of the gate a bit fast, but caught myself and tried to dial it back. Then I had to wait what seemed like 5 minutes at the bathroom at the first aid station. Ran most of the first 5-6 miles, but pace kept falling. Walked the aid stations, then started talking short walk breaks every so often because my hamstrings and quads were getting pretty tight and close to cramping.

Definitely could have done better with the run training leading up to the race. Not adding 10-15 lbs since spring probably would have helped too. Not sure how much more I had in the tank to say I could have ran more, as I think the walk breaks really helped finish upright and have enough for a good kick into the finish that was definitely worth it, especially hearing the crowds yelling as I did. Awesome feeling.

Stumbled around downtown Stroudsburg. Had some local Octoberfest beer that was delicious. Walked what seemed like 2 miles to T2 to get my bike and gear and another 2 miles back to the car to load up.


Training. That's really it. I can't say I mentally could have pushed any harder at any point and still finished. By far the hardest race I've ever done. Can't wait for my next one.


A great race. Despite having to cancel the swim, and deal with roads that were all but destroyed by recent storms, they did an incredible job. I'm very impressed with all the support teams they had working every corner and all the volunteers and everything. Probably why it cost so much to race!