Ironman Canada - TriathlonFull Ironman

There was a TON of people. I had my little panic attack between 200 and 400m but somehow made it through and found my rythem.

Swim more than 2 days a week.

I knotted my Swim to bike bag too tight and my fingernails (or lack of) wouldn't undo it. Finally the guy next to me had to help. (thanks dude!) Made a trip to the bathroom, picked up sunscreen and I was off.

Don't knot the bag!

HOT HOT HOT. Headwind from hell on the straights and some killer crosswinds on the descents. Bombing the downhills had me nervous at points.

I was satisfied with my bike. Some (my wife/coach) may say that it led to a slower marathon (my only marathon) but I don't think anything could save my run in that heat.

Volunteer took my bike and I realized that my GPS watch was still on the bike. After changing I ran and grabbed it, probably lost some time there. This was my first IM so I expected both transitions to be slower than usual.

It was hard. My nutrition kept me from cramping, just a couple side stitches that went away. Walked a lot of hills and most every aid station. So so so hot. I've run a 1:38 1/2 marathon (faster now) and a sub 20 5k. This was just long and slow.

Skip more aid stations.

Massage.


Heat.


It was a great race. Aid stations, volunteers, organizers, locals, and crowd, everything was perfect. It was a great first Ironman and in a couple years (with a couple more years of base since this is my second season of any type of endurance sports) I look forward to trying another and seeing what time I can do with a bit of experience.