Musselman Half-Iron Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Not bad given that I've done about 15k meters in the last two months. What can I say, I am a swimmer. The start was fairly shallow but I was able to swim right away (I had seen some in the previous wave wade for 200 yds or more). I started directly aligned with the buoy and it was straight swimming until the first turn. Surprisingly, there were very few swimmers hugging the buoys. Sighting was difficult into the sun (after the first turn) but I scissor kicked for a moment after each turn and cleared my goggles to find the next buoy. The canal was great (seemed colder than the lake?) and the I swam up most of the ramp.

Train a little more. No real complaints, given the time and place were pretty good.

The one thing that helped this slow transition time was the silicone spray they provided right before the race. The wetsuit came right off and I was on my way.

Practice more transitions and buy tri-shoes

The disadvantage to being a good swimmer is the first 10-15 miles of the bike are spent getting blown away by the serious cyclists. This wasn't a horrible time for me given my 40-60 mile/week training but it could have been a lot better. The course was beautiful and I found myself really enjoying the ride around mile 25-30 (even though the wind had shifted). Miles 42-45 (Sampson area) were horrible and I really hit the wall around mile 50. 3 gels and two gatorade bottles were not enough.

Train for the bike and get a better nutrition plan together. I realized after the bike leg that I had sweated far more than I originally thought. Also, I never got comfortable on my road bike so maybe a fitting or a tri bike.

Not much to say other than remember to have my running shoes tied already. I switched shirts which cost me some time but it felt better in the end.

Practice transitions and have my shoes tied already.

Ouch. I started out holding 8:15's for the first two miles and then gave up. Yes, it was hot, but this was more about mental toughness (or lack thereof). Fairly disappointing and just like Eagleman 2010. The run on a HIM is no joke. It requires mental commitment and training, two things I did not have on race day.

Train more, set better goals that would keep me from giving up so easily.

Watermelon and water.


Training and the heat. Temps in the 90's on the run certainly hurt but the lack of training the last two months was probably the main contributor. Most importantly, set goals (realistic ones) that will push me through those miles when my body is telling me to give up.


Very well run race and the volunteers were great. The course was tough but there was great scenery along the way. I found my mind wandering towards racing it next year, which is always a good sign (especially given the pain I was in).

I think we'll spend a whole week in Ithaca next year instead of just the weekend.