Chisago Lakes Triathlon Half Iron - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Foggy, hard to see the bouys, twice ended up on the wrong side of the course, luckily only hit someone once. Felt like I zig-zagged a bit more than usual, but gave the right amount of effort, never paniced and had a good swim.

Clear goggles

Used the wetsuit strippers, which time is added to the swim, and my suit still got stuck on my heels. 8th in my AG, 33rd male, this went well.

nada

Dropped my Cliff Bloks around mile 8, had my Larabar at mile 15, never settled in my stomach. Got caught by a "pack" at mile 18 but they slowed way down at every turn or hill, so I kept overtaking them, then would get caught on a straight flat, filter my way out the back, then overtake them again on a roller or turn. This lasted until the long straight flat after the climb, about mile 35 when I consciously had to decide to let them go. I think I was doing the right thing, rode on the right and passed the entire group if I was gaining on anyone. Was I doing the right thing?

Let that pack go. Average only because I went too hard.

Put on socks. Used inhaler. Ran into two sprint racers who were packing up their stuff.

Nothing

Started with two 8:30 miles, then tried to drop down but only got to 8:20 for the next two, then slowed more, then more agian. Having ice out there was great, started walking the water stops at mile 6, but had to walk two additional times on the way back in. Was only able to eat a few Clif Bloks because my stomach never settled from the Larabar, and never got close to going to a gel.

Learning experience, hard but fun. Call myself names earlier, I respond well to calling myself a slow, lazy, $&33^@ and such. Go easier on the bike. Run more in training.

Stretch, got stopped by Medical because I couldn't walk straight, hit the ice bath, eat.


Got a little hot, but mostly I think I pushed too hard on the bike and my nutrition plan didn't work like it had in training.


I actually like having a designated transition spot, reduces stress and the need to get to the race too early. Ice at the water stops was great, and a pool ice bath was very nice at the finish. Got started a little late, and they ran out of some food, but I got chocolate milk and a few grapes. Course is tougher (more hills) than expected.