Ironman 70.3 Branson - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Tried on my wetsuit from last year and who would have thought that the extra ten pounds I had picked up since IMKY would make that much difference. After practice swim on saturday, I realized I couldn't breathe in my Xterra suit. Wife pleaded with me to rent one that would allow me to breathe, since she didn't feel like I would be able to hold my breath for 41:37. I copitulated and rented a suit (with sleeves no less) and couldn't believe the difference it made. Ended up on the phone that night and purchased it before the race at a very good discount. Happy with that. By the way, I have an extra large Xterra for sell in excellent condition. Must weigh no more than 195 to wear it (if you want to breathe), and no, I have never peed in the suit!
On a more serious note, I panicked at about 200 or 300 yards into the swim. Wanted out of the water and I mean now. Treaded water and tried to calm myself. My company will pay up to 300 dollars for race entries if you complete the race. I figured if someone would give me 300 to swim that distance, I wasn't going to lose that money since I am a tightwad. I was able to complete the swim with no other issues. I guess I lost 1 to 2 minutes total on the freakout.

Don't freak out! You knew I was going to say that didn't you?

Suit got hung up on my watch, should have paid more attention to how I put the watch on. Lost some time getting my suit in the bag for transport to T2. Overall, satisfied.

Watch placement

I tried to find hills in south Mississippi that would let me train at least a little. They don't exist. I knew going in that I was under trained. Of course being the highly tuned athlete that I am, I wanted to make the best time that I could and still have something left for the run. Could have ridden harder but have drank the coolaide before so forced myself to hold back. Little side question, did any of you notice a guy wearing number 408? He kept passing me and making schnide remarks. Good thing I train with him at home or I would have had to beat the snot out of him. I wasn't to terribly disappointed in my time. It was mostly down hill after hitting the exit road with the exception of one very cruel joke the organizers decided to pull on us. Right before the finish, maybe 1/2 mile or so, you had to climb a hill. Standing in my lowest gear and crank with all I had (left) to get to the top. Can't type what I was thinking at that point.

Train like I am supposed to do for a half Ironman. IE: don't build another house!

Felt good, should have removed shoes before arriving at transition, but transition slipped up on me.

See above

In addition to what I have alread said, did I mention that it rained? Correction, monsooned would be a better word for it. At times I was running in 4 inches (or more) of water. It did help keep me cool though. Wanted to average between 9:30 and 10 minutes on the run, but the bike was so brutal on my old decrepted legs that I just couldn't keep it up. With about 2.5 miles left, I tried to calculate what my finishing time was going to be, realized that if I could pick it up a little and not walk anymore (big if), I would be able to finish in under 6:45. I know that may not be a big deal to most of you, but at this point in my day, it was a big deal to me. I actually ran my fastest times on the last 2 miles of the day. Everyone was looking at me like I was crazy with all of my huffing and puffing (and believe me, there was a lot), but aren't we all crazy to be doing this anyhow? I crossed the finish line with absolutely zero left in my tank. I have seen people have to be helped at the finish line because they are exhausted. I always felt like it was show. Here is my most heart felt apology to all that I have doubted. I now know how you feel. I am proud of all of you.

I would like to say thanks to the jerk (bib #408) for helping me train this year, he kept me going even when I was to busy or didn't have enopugh time in the day, sure bills didn't get paid, bricks didn't get laid, deadlines didn't get made, but at least enough training got done that I didn't die and I was able to complete the race, Thank Michael Draughn, jmdraughn to the rest of you. All in all, not a bad day before my 50th birthday!

How can I say this originally? More training!

Went from hot to freezing in about 2.5 seconds, no warm down needed.


Building a stupid house.


Volunteers were amazing. I would like to go back and give them all a hug. Well, some more than others if you know what I mean.