Rev3 Cedar Point - Full Rev - TriathlonFull Ironman

Felt great about the swim. After just a few strokes to get used to the water and surroundings the stroke and breathing felt easy and relaxed. Got a little double-vision at the end of the first loop and second loops from all of the head turning action, but it cleared up before causing any problems. Swim congestion was pretty low so I only dealt with avoiding/bumping people a few times, and it was always pretty easy to find open water. Overall it was the perfect level of effort

Nothing

Not much to say here, wanted to make sure I didn't forget anything (chamois cream, body glide, stretching, blowing nose, etc.) before leaving transition. I know my stretching adds time but I believe it is the best solution for a successful race day for me.

Nothing really, I was setting myself up for a long day. I'm sure I could've dropped some time, but I think I took just what I needed.

Wasn't sure exactly what to expect on the bike since it is not one of my stronger areas. Long rides have been roughly 17.5mph for the most part so I didn't know what to expect after the taper and in race conditions. Overall, I am very happy with my time. Never felt overly taxed on the bike, and probably could've given it a bit more, but I'd rather save it for the run. Got to see my family out on the course in a number of spots as they said it was easy to navigate, so that was fun. Other than them however, not a whole lot of other fans out there.

Nothing

Again, probably could've dropped some time here, but I did a full change (including socks to be safe) and made sure the legs were fully stretched before starting the run.

Nothing

Went through the usual ups and downs of running a marathon, but in the end I was very happy with my time. Started strong, hard miles ~8-14, felt good through 18, and then focused on running on just running to the next water stop and drinking while walking until the end. Felt like my nutrition did a good job and only felt like I took in too much gatorade near mile 20 or so. Goal was to run 8:45/mi and to see how things went from there. Somehow I actually ended up at exactly 8:45/mi. Loved the sections running in the parks near the water, but weaving through the streets was pretty painful, especially on the second loop.

Nothing

Drank some water and part of a muscle milk, and stretched near the picnic sit-down area. Grabbed the bike and transition items and headed back to the hotel to eat


Nothing significant, maybe a little slow in transitions, and could still use more bike training and improved swim stroke


Definitely some good things about the race but I thought it fell a little short in some areas as well. I think the smaller full-iron field was nice for a first-timer, but it did lack some of the excitement as well. The course, though easy to navigate for fans, was pretty empty other than the aid stations. Biggest positives were the high-quality of some of the race materials as well as some nice things like the finish line jumbotron and free finisher photos. Biggest negatives were at times boring and empty course, some areas of disorganization before the race (I didn't get a dry-clothes bag, they didn't have my age number tattoos, etc.) and some weak swag and post-race food (cotton shirts with strange off-center and crooked logos, misprinted medals (though they are being fixed), not much to speak of in actual swag bags (they had goggles in them, but goggles only fit certain faces, so I would much rather a race shirt or bottle instead that anyone can use)).