Ironman Lake Placid - TriathlonFull Ironman

If only ever race could be a mass start! Incredible feeling to be surrounded by 2000 other athletes.
I started off a few rows back and maybe 60feet from the dock. Within 5minutes I found myself on the underwater cable and in a good group of swimmers. Drafted as much as possible. After the first turn I made my way to another group around 20 feet ahead of me and before I knew it was running on the beach! Saw my time and knew to back it off a bit on loop 2.
I found myself alone the first 5minutes and decided to push it until I found a group as I didn't want to swim alone. At the bouy I found a perfect draft and it was just it time as we started looping other swimmers and I just hung on his feet and left the navigating to him. I did take a few moments to look around and take it the view. Simple amazing.

nothing.

I had decided before the race that I wanted to wear compression socks not sleeves as I've trained all season in them so didn't want to change that on race day. I knew it'd cost me a few minutes and if I was aiming for a Kona spot it would have been sleeves. Same went with my shorts, I wore swim trunks and changed to bike shorts instead of just wearing my tri shorts. Also had to hit the head. All in all I could have cut 3minutes but it's an Ironman and I wanted comfort.

Wear race gear under wetsuit if aiming for Kona.

The wind was a tailwind on the front half which all things considered is better than having a headwind as this is the speed section of the course and with a headwind it'd would have been an even harder day. I rode at my power level 210watts and came through the first 56miles at 200ave/212np. The 2nd loop I backed off a bit as the marathon was creeping into my mind and wanted to leave gas in the tank.
I've ridden the course several times as it was a straight execution of my pre-race rides. No suprises and pretty uneventful. The only difference was riders all around on the 1st loop which caused some small surging as I didn't want to get in a pack as the USAT was in full force. I was on the tail of a small group around mile 24 when I saw the motorcycle approaching so I backed off and watch them give out 6 red cards within 2minutes. The pro women in the pack was PISSED and she was kinda boxed into the group and really what was she suppose to do? Stop pedaling? When there is a trail of riders a mile long it's hard to find that sweet spot as everyone is consistently changing efforts. Best part of the out/back was getting to see Victoria heading out to Ausable Forks.
All in all though I rode a solid effort and set myself as best I could for the run. My TSS was 267, and IF .69.

I'm a baby at descending so getting over my fear would be a start, top speed was only 42mph. Guys and Girls were flying past me on it.

Quick change but I walked the transition as I hear it's good to give the hips/muscles a few seconds to stretch out. Had a drink and sunblock applied. Waves to my parents and headed out of town.

I knew it was going to be a struggle past mile 13 as my training just didn't have enough miles to cover such a distance. What I didn't expect and never could have is the feeling that if I had a way to eviscerate myself, I would have on the run. My body felt depleted and walking was the only way to calm that feeling. After mile 13 my routine was run between the aid stations and walk the stations. I also walked all the hills and tried to use the bathroom but only got a few drops out which were almost brown in color.After that I started drinking extra cups of water. Around mile 18ish I finally saw Victoria on the run course. It's so calming to see her. We chatted for 20seconds and parted ways.
I can't describe the feeling near the end but I still have no desire to do another IM. I really don't find the marathon appealing, it's more a sufferfest than race. Back to 70.3 racing for me.

Add more volume to my training and longer brick runs.

Chocolate milk and pizza.


a marathon.


If you want to test yourself in a beautiful location than sign up for it in 2014. 2013 is already SOLD OUT! I'll be sitting in a chair drinking beer at the top of papa bear cheering you on.