Ironman Louisville - TriathlonFull Ironman

I managed to be pretty far up in the line so I was in the water about 12 minutes after the official start. I jumped in and started swimming right away. No issues with my goggle leaking or fogging. I felt pretty strong for the entire swim and just focused on getting from one marker bouy to the next. Before I knew it I was around the turn and heading downstream.

I also didn't have any panic issues in the water this time. I usually do in open water. Made to the swim exit about 13 minutes faster then my anticipated time.

Nothing - Good swim

T1 I took my time to make sure that I didn't forget anything. I also swam without my top on so that took a few extra seconds to put on. A quick porta john stop on the way to the bike.

Nothing

I felt really strong on the bike. For more then the first half I was really just cruising along and enjoying myself. Mile 80 it started to get a bit more difficult and I started to have the feeling that I may have overcooked my legs. From about mile 50 on I didn't want anything solid to eat so I kept up the water and perform. Maybe over did it a bit as I was starting to feel a bit sloshy. Backed off on the liquids and felt much better. I did manage to avoid a huge wreck at the aid station on the out and back. Two guys bumped at the bottle grab and swerved onto my side of the road. They got run into at about 18 mph by the three people directly in froint of me. Me and the guy next to me just got stopped when he was hit from behind. I sped back up and got out of the way before I got hit.

The last 15 or so miles my feet were killing me. Hot spots in the arches and toes on fire from being crammed in the shoes. I eased up the last 10 miles to give my legs a break.

Worked on sticking to my nutrition plan a bit better.

Same as T1. Took my time putting on socks and getting re sun screened. One more porta john stop too.

Nothing

The run started out great. Feet felt good as soon as I got the bike shoes off and the running shoes one. I bit of pain in the outside of the right foot. That went away about 3 miles into the run. I managed to run the first 8 -10 miles at about a 9:45 pace and went slowly downhill from there. The bike ride really took more out of my legs then I thought. I still wasn't able to eat anything and stuck to coke, water and perform on the course. Tried a cookie but it wasn't happening. Most of the second half of the run I just kept thinking " Don't stop, just keep moving forward". I would walk about a minute or so every mile and then slowly run as fast as I could. I did walk about a mile from 20 - 21 and 24 - 25. I managed to run the entire last 1.2 miles and have never been so happy to see a finish line. I just about burst into tears when I heard Mike Reilly " Peter Buss, from Somerset, Pennsylvania - You are an IRONMAN. I can't describe the feeling off actually being done and having that medal hung around my neck.

After the race my parents found me at the finish line and all I wanted To do was sit down. Found a chair and just sat there for about 20 minutes sipping on a water. Everything hurt and my stomach was really starting to act up. Finally felt good enough to move so we headed for the car, transition to get my bike and gear, then back to the hotel. I just wasn't feeling like hanging out at the finish line. I kind of regret that now. Anyways after an hour or so I had my first guilt free McDonald's 1/4 pounder, fries and McFlurry.


Not following a good nutritional plan probably hurt me the most.


WTC did a great job with this race. Those that wonder if they should spend the money for an IM branded race I say absolutely yes. The race was well organized and the volunteers were awesome. I couldn't be happier with my experience.