PrairieMan - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I positioned myself in the front on the right side hoping to catch some draft from some of the faster swimmers. I started off ok but had trouble keeping a straight line and lost the feet of the guys I was trying to draft off of. After that I was caught in "no man's land" and could not find any feet to get on. So, I spent the rest of the race swimming around earlier waves and watching for the fast swimmers in the wave behind me. Everytime I saw someone, they were on a different line than me and could not get over to their feet. I felt really lost on this swim and just couldn't seem to catch a break. I probably worked too hard for this swim to be 5 minutes slower than my normal time. Oh well, some times you just get in the wrong place!

Not sure, maybe carry a lucky penny or just swim faster and straighter?

I didn't seem to have any sense of urgency here. I kept thinking what my IMFL T1 was going to be like and went through a mental checklist of things that I needed to do.

Just move faster.

I didn't have a battery for my cyclo computer for the bike so my plan was to go out comfortably and then try to increase my cadence and speed as I settled in. I never really settled in as my right quad seemed to be tight for a good time on the bike. Also, my aero bars were off center. My left aero bar was inline with my front tire and I had to ride slightly off center. It put some strain on my neck and side and maybe was the issue with my quad. Still, I had a good bike and was pleased with my time and pace. The pace was too fast for Florida but enjoyable, especially on the back side of the course (360) were you could increase your speed up to 30-35mph. That's a guess since I didn't have a computer. The good news on this ride is that I took 4 bottles of Infinite as my only fuel and was dry by the time I rolled into T2. I had no ill effects, I never got hungry and I had plenty of salt. I love this stuff!

Replace the battery on the computer before the race.

Good, I took 5 Sportslegs in T2 and drank some water but otherwise, I was into my running shoes and on my way in short order.

Drink and take sportslegs as I moved through T2 instead of at my bike.

Brutal course mentally and physically because you do a loop before heading out on a long, exposed straight Damn. The course is flat but very open to the elements (sun) and straight and boring. On the way out during the first part of the loop there was writing on the street that said FOCUS and then an arrow pointing to two large breasts. For some reason that got me through the next mile as I had to comment to the illustrious BT strappen' group that it was well placed. As usual, the strappers had cold towels and were being crazy. Too cool, I might skip a race just to strap one next year. I wish they had a station later in the race, like out on the damn. It was kinda cruel to be running along the top of the damn and look down on the lake and see people in their boats drinking beer and skiing, etc. There was one unexpected bonus when we finally turned around (mile 6.58) on the Damn, we headed back into a nice cool breeze that I didn't know was at our backs as we headed out. That lasted almost 3/4 of the way back on the Damn. It gave me a "second wind" and I was able to increase my speed a little before going back to a run/walk routine. The last part of the run was the worst as we headed back towards the finish line and just before running through the shoot, you had to turn off and do a 1 mile loop and then head back and finish on a slight incline. I was watching my watch closely as I was trying to break 6 hours. So close!

Duh, run faster! I think I need to look at adopting a more regimented run/ walk routine and set my watch for something like a 8 minute run/ 1-2 minute fast walk. I don't harbor any fantasy about running the whole marathon at Florida although I did hear some good advice about run when you can during the marathon. There is no need to pace yourself. If you feel good run because then you will be just that much further down the road when you are reduced to a walk.

Walk around to get some gatoraide and water, then stuffed down a banana and 2 pieces of pizza. Then I sat down with the BT'ers at the strap tent.


20 lbs, genes.


.06 seconds! Are you kinding me? So close to breaking 6 hours. Still, it was a PR Half Ironman for me by 11 minutes so I was happy. I needed this race for some confidence heading into my last 53 days of traning for IMFL. This is a good race as usual by Jack. I just wish he could shorten his speak before the race so we could start as early as possible. If you want a race that is hot windy and flat, this is the race and/or series to do (Ironhead Tri Series- Metroplex Sprint, Ironhead Oly and Prarieman Half). I even have a classic shirt to say that I have completed the Tri Challange! That's how it's spelled on the shirt.