Ironman 70.3 Augusta - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Had a great swim. Saw wife and kids at top of hill prior to jumping in. Did not push it too hard and bi-lateral breathing pretty much the entire swim. Current was welcomed as with the 75 degree water temps. I was in the silver cap wave and passed quite a few orange caps, so knew that I was cookin.

Nothing.

Fist time using wet suit strippers (<- love that line). What a benefit that was. Ran a few hundred yards to my bike. Took a mental inventory and then helmet & sunglasses on and off to the mount line. First triathlon where a race bib was required on the run. No big deal but was one more box to check.

Nothing.

Goal was to keep the HR in Zone 2 which I did for most of the bike. Took somewhat of a conservative approach knowing the 70.3 really begins at around mile 8 of the run. Saw wife and kids immediately leaving T1 and was careful not to wreck on the bump leading onto the main course.

Did really well going up any sort of hill/incline, and just steady for the flats. As stated by other race reports, there were several 'packs' that blew by me. Stayed focused and did not participate in and draft packs.

Took cranberry razz cliff gel on the hour and drank 2 bottles of gatorade mixed with carbo pro. Also picked up a bottle of H20 on a bottle swap.

In hindsight, may have been better served if I kept the HR in a high Zone 1. Likely should have taken in more nutrition, maybe something more solid than gels. Will have to futher research and experiment with nutrition strategies for the bike.

Quick and uneventful T2.

Nothing.

Yeah, this is where things went down hill fast. Running out of T2 felt great, saw wife and kids and stopped for a quick hug for inspiration/motivation. Slow and steady for the first few miles, but struggled to take in any nutrition. Mainly consisted of anything that was offered on the course, but struggled to fight though an empty stomach.

About 4 miles in, HR spiked and struggled to get it into a low Z2. This is where i decided to walk/run so as to lower my HR. It was about this time when I recall reading an article on the Georgia BT forum on mental toughness. Seriously began questioning my mental toughness.

Finished the run primarily walking through water stops and at times in between. Race finish was a bit uneventful. I was expecting something a bit more 'grand', but it is what it is. Was happy to see my family upon crossing the finish line.

More brick runs and much more run volume to my training. Never claimed ot be a speedy runner, but was hoping for an 8:30pace. Need to find the right balance in my training across all three disciplines.

Decided not to wait in line for the post-race food and made our way down to transition to pack up and eventually head home. Was not thrilled about having to walk/run another mile+ down to transition (in the rain nonetheless). Still had not eaten so was not the most pleasant person to be around.

After getting some much needed food in me (4 slices of pizza) came to my senses and thanked my family for being part of my day. They were real troopers to shuttle through the streets of Augusta for 5+ hours.


Run training and nutrition. I need to figure out a more solid nutrition plan as well as add more run volume.


Despite falling apart in the run, this was my first 70.3 and I enjoyed the day thoroughly. As my new pre-race friend shared with me, we are so fortunate to GET to do this sport. I kept that in mind throughout the race.

After thinking things through for the past few days, I confirmed that I am no where near ready to take on a full ironman. It has been a goal for a few years, but will eventually work may way up to it. (Maybe 2 - 3 years)