Gulf Coast Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Almost missed my wave. Missed the annoucement...good samaritan said, "Isn't that your wave?". Of course wetsuit zipper got caught at gun, had to get bystander to fix. That got me started at back of wave of 100+ men. Had to fight to get around slower swimmers. I had planned to start in front at buoy line and hammer first 200m to get clear then try to catch onto the feet of a better swimmer. Sighted well but got stuck mid-pack for a while. I was happy with time but surprised it was down in age group--Guess the late/botched start paid a bigger penalty than I originally thought.

Pay better attention to wave times--Doh!

Long run up from beach and around into transition. No problems getting wetsuit off and bike out and running. 14/104 in AG.

Nada

Good solid, evenly paced ride. I planned for avg power of 190 with NP of 200. I wanted my TSS to be closer to 170-175 with IF=.8-.85. However, this pace just clicked in and I went with it. I knew my time would be decent. This race was the first with my Quarq PM and I wanted to be very strong on the run. I was on pace for 2:35:30 but had to dismount @mile 40 to use PortaJohn. Unfortunately, I picked the one that's occupied. I stood there cursing under my breath, thinking "what I am doing?". Last 16 miles back into wind but it was mild with no major gusts. I did good with Infinit + water at aid stations. Energy was dialed in.

In retrospect, I could have pushed power more. I think I left a little too much in reserve but my run may have suffered? Million dollar questions. Triathlon--Alot of trial and error involved.
Also, more important question--To void while riding or not.

Slower to put on socks. 27/104 AG

Probably could have gone without socks but didn't want to flare-up right heel again.

Legs felt great to start until mile 1...big hamstring cramp brought me to sudden halt. Another good samaritan gave me a salt tablet and with a shorter stride I was moving again. Had cramps again around miles 9 and 11 but to smaller degree. I kept up nutrition--Roctane gels every 3 miles and water/gatorade at every aid station. I was moving very well from miles 1.5-8. My plan was to work hard through mile 9 and then push last 5K at Zone 4/5. But every time I picked up pace my cramp would begin to flare. I could hold slower pace without issue. I realized I would not meet my A time of sub 1:45. When I looked @ my Garmin #s, I sadly calculated I lost a good 7-9 mins with cramps or unnecessary aid station walk-breaks. Those walk-breaks do help mentally however?!

Didn't bring salt tablets but I thought about it, but I trusted the Infinit had me covered. I've only had cramps once before..at end of a marathon 4 years ago. I think the cramps could have been attenuated with some salt tablets but I also blame all the walking I did the day before the race...legs felt a little sore when I went to bed but tried to not psych myself out. I had also done a hard 5k race a week ago and my legs still had some residual soreness in them. Next time, I'll skip that and be mindful of pre-race day activities. Salt Stick in run bag!

Slow walking, mild stretching. Warm shower and soak. Then down to get my free massage--now that was awesome.


Live and Learn. Every race teaches me something new. I'll definitely be back for this race. Good practice for course that is part of Ironman Florida.


Great race. Well organized. Great price. Exactly why there should be more non-WTC branded races. Great staff and volunteers. I was in next to last wave to start and though I passed alot of people there was still plenty of aid station stock--would have liked salt tablets.