Scheels High Cliff Triathlon - Half Iron Course - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I think the overcast skies made the water a little more murky. It was also hard to spot the buoys because they were large pyramids for the first two lengths and then smaller "dodge ball" sized buoys on the last length. Aside from the choppy last length, I thought it was a great swim. Even better for my first one with a wetsuit.

Put a little more into it, I really paced myself but ended up with a great split. The wetsuit had a lot to do with it.

I took my time because this was my first 1/2 IM. Wetsuit strippers helped get the suit off which was awesome. Got my foot stuck and was on video which made me laugh after the race. Made sure to throw my spare tube & CO2 into my shirt as well as a few extra bars/gels. JUST in case. Put socks on so I could be ready for the run.

Maybe no socks, have bike gear already taped/loaded on the bike.

Took my time, didn't want to bonk during the ride and have nothing left. Was on my road bike, no aero bars. Just enjoyed the views, ate and drank when needed, and coasted into T2 with a smile.

AERO BARS. Possibly invest in a TT/Tri bike. For now, I'm going to keep plugging away on my aluminum Cannondale.

Took my time A LOT here. Wanted to make sure I had iPod, more bars/gels, h2o belt w/race number, and my shoes on and tied right. I knew that the hill was the first obstacle out of transition so I wanted to make sure I was ready for it. Jogged out, ready to go.

No socks, zip laces on shoes, ziploc of nutrition to grab vs. handfuls out of my transition bag.

I wasn't ready for a trail run. I trained entirely on paved surfaces and there was about 500 yards of paved surface total on the run. 2 loops of the course. Very pretty, mostly shaded which was nice. Good amount of aid stations. Started pouring rain about 4 miles into the run (1st loop). iPod died along with headphones. Felt great to get soaked though. Plugged through getting muddy and being extra careful to watch my step on the now wet rocks & roots. Walked the aid stations and a few times for some extra rest. Only 1 pee break.

Train on some trails. I know it's better for your legs anyway. My pace was reflective of my attitude towards just finishing happy. Next time, I'll pick it up. Still beat my previous half-marathon time by 10 minutes. That was without a Swim & Bike before!

Grabbed a beer with my lady and my parents and sat down to stretch. Ate some fruit, had a recovery drink that I had brought and took some pictures. Just enjoyed the fact that I just finished a 1/2 IM in 6:21 when I just wanted to be under 7:00!


Nothing! I felt great and everything went well. No GI trouble, gear mishaps, nothing. I had a blast. Great first experience for a longer race.


I think there could have been more aid stations on the bike. I know it's Wisconsin but even in the Midwest it gets pretty hot out. I know other people were upset by the aid stations seeming understaffed. I personally had no problems with it.