Ironman Florida - TriathlonFull Ironman

Blessed with calm water - looked like a lake out there. This was my first open water ocean swim. Very busy water for the first five minutes at least. Started about 2/3 to the west of the buoy line, and about two rows back. I discussed with those around me where to start, and it seemed like I was in a good spot. The start was amazing. As the first two rows began to go out to sea, I could feel the ocean being "sucked out" with them. It felt like undertoe--very weird. No clean water at all til 400yds or so. Found some feet and just hung on for dear life. Most of swim to turn buoy was between two other people stride for stride. Did not get unbusy water until last half of second lap. Got stung by a "pink meanie" jellyfish going to first turn buoy. Hurt like shit as he got me right in the face. Forgot about it a few minutes later. Was able to navigate around several others that I saw. I felt like I was in a good rhythm even with all the people. I even calmed down enough 400 yds in to do bilaterl breathing. At the first turn bouy it felt like I was home free even though I had another lap, just that comfortable. The short beach run was nice, got something to drink and kept going. My watch said low 30's so I was doing ok, just tried to to overcook the second lap.

Not much. Drafting was good, and didn't do much navigation as I just followed the crowd. Did not kick much on second lap as wetsuit had my legs elevated to the surface and I just decided to save them for part B.

Good speed coming out of the water. Wetsuit strippers were great as I was going again in about 10 seconds. Carried speed into T1, but just took my time getting ready. Put multiple layers on for the cold and wind ahead. Glad that I packed both long sleeve bike jersey and a thermal compression shirt under that. Also put on shoe covers, shin compression and gloves.

Would try to be faster next time. Didn't forget anything but could have been more efficient. Next time will put my compression shin guards under my wetsuit, so I don't have to put them on while wet.

I grossly under ate during the bike. Ingested about 1/3 of what I packed in Bento box and special needs. Drank all the fluid I planned on but couldn't force any other gels/bars/snacks into the furnace. Managed a couple of honey stinger waffles on the last leg of the bike.

Eat more. I think the effort was right on for me. Over time I'd like to drop 20-30 minutes as I build up more power. I will work on weights this off season to accomplish this goal.

Passed off bike and kept running, got T2 bag and headed into T2. Not as many people here as T1. Just took my time again. Took a while to get compression socks on (CEP full socks). Kept longsleeve jersey on as it was breathable and white (kept me covered so no sunburn, and reflected heat).

Go faster, maybe use compression sleeves that I had on bike. My experience with full compression socks is they pinch my upper calf behind the knee and I get a rash there. The guards don't do that, that was why I changed. Plus a friend told me of horrible swelling at the end of the run, so since I have venous insufficiency in my right leg, I wanted comression all the way to the ankle and foot on that side.

Felt like I came out of T2 very fast for me. As I was running up to Alvin's Island I was greeted by my wife and daughter, so I stopped to chat. Turned out my 4 yr old son was home throwing up all day, so couldn't come watch. After chat, motored out. Felt good through mile 3 or 4, then tapered the pace down to 10 or so / mile. Tried to keep my average pace per mile under 10. I was successful for most of first lap, but then had to incorporate some slower running and walking. Felt like I had good energy going around the state park both times. There were multiple places were the music was pumping me up, especially near the beach front condos. Lots of interesting people along the course dressed up for fun. At the end of the second lap, emotions were lifting me up. At mile 22, I got choked up just thinking about the finish. That happened at least two more times. When I got to the run turn around and kept going, I picked up the pace to bring it home. As I neared Alvin's Island and took the left there wasn't anyone around me and I dashed, perhaps a little early. I thought the big illumnated arch I was seeing was the finish, but this was the Ford sign, so still had a bit to go. The crowd got dense and I started high fiving both sides. What a finsih chute! Crossed the finish and gave out a huge woo hoo.

Run faster and train more to do so. This is my weakest discipline by far, so will build it up better for IM again. Perhaps next time schedule my run/walk time so mentally I don't let myself walk, just let the watch tell me when its time.

Medal/hat/tshirt/photo. Got some broth, met up with my wife and then to the massage tent for brief rub down (would not call that a massage by any standard). Then picked up my gear (it was all there, even special needs bag), dropped off rental wheels and went to the house. Took a pitstop at Backyard Burger and indulged in some food. Later in the night I found a chilly swimming pool, got in up to my waiste. I think this was the single most important thing I did from a recovery standpoint, and will do it again in future races. I was stiff Sunday, but could walk. By Monday, I probably could have run a couple miles.


Was very cautious about effort level on my first ironman. Probably could have swam a bit harder. Bicycle effort was good, and run could have been much stronger. That just leaves room for a new PR next time.


First Ironman experience so nothing to compare to but, very enjoyable race. Would definitely do this one again in the future. Many variables on bike and run (water conditions/current as well as wind). Took a lot out of family life to train but if it was easy they'd call it football.