Ironman 70.3 California - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I was so cold at the start. Couldn't catch my breath for quite a while. Finally started to find my rhythm but then I cramped up in both calves about 1/4 the way in. They never let up the whole time! I just tried to keep swimming as best as I could. Same thing happened at the Vineman!! I never cramp while training so not sure whats going on.

Figure out how not to cramp

Only my 2nd triathlon ever so I'm sure it will get better with time!

Practice

I was feeling pretty good. Averaging about 17 mph, which was a bit much for me but I felt great. Then the 1st flat. Now I'm no pro but I got this thing changed in about 5 minutes, which for me was very fast. This was mile 20 or so. Next flat at mile 30. I had only brought 1 spare so I tried to patch but with no luck. Sat there for 20 minutes trying to figure out what to do. Thought my race was over but a very nice guy stopped and gave me his tube and helped me change it.

And I'm off. I figured I was good for the rest of the way. But oh no, not another flat! At about mile 40 my 3rd flat. Now I'm screwed but low and behold I see the repair car! Seems my liner in my rim was frayed. Fixed it and I was on my way. I lost a total of 45 min to an hour, but i was still going so I'm all good!

Not flat and bring more than 1 spare tube

Had to pee

I knew my run fitness wasn't going to be there because of my broken foot during training. I figured I would run about 6 miles or so then it would be a death march. That was just about right. 1st 2 miles I kept at 9:20 or so, then I started in on 10 min miles up to about mile 6. I really started hurting about then and had to resort to a run walk. I pushed as hard as I could and ran as much as possible but the fitness was just not there.

Not break my foot during training

Ate Pizza, got my bike, put stuff in my car, went and ate a burger


Lack of experience and run training. I am in no way disappointed with my race. If you take away the flat tires I would have been right where I thought. I am learning each time and am getting a clearer vision of what needs to be done to have a successful race


It was brutal for me but I loved it!