Ironman Coeur d'Alene - TriathlonFull Ironman

This was the very first SwimSmart by Ironman. Just like a marathon you work your way toward the start line under an archway. You self-seed based on where you think you will finish. This was really nice as in previous races it's as much wrestling as swimming. Had to pull off and yank my wetsuit up higher only 6 min in but then it was smooth sailing after that.

Get my wetsuit higher BEFORE getting in the water.

This went well. Got into the tent and got my stuff on pretty quickly.

Felt pretty good for most of the bike. The major climb on each loop is a 2 mile 6% hill. I feel I hit it pretty well and really took advantage of my size on the downhill. The rest of the course I think I may have pushed a little hard as I felt pretty rough going into the run.

Ease up a bit on the hill.

Took a little bit of time to make sure everything was greased up and sunscreened and everything else.

This run has a few tough hills that really took a toll. I did my first half marathon in just under 3 hours which is pretty darn good for me. The second half marathon took me just over 3.5 hours but I think I finally just blew up on the run. I was really pushing to beat my best IM time of 14:21 and just missed it.

The only thing out of the ordinary was an experience that was at the same time the funniest and saddest thing I've ever witnessed during a race. Many of the locals put out stereos or play instruments for the athletes to entertain them and it is much appreciated. However, at one corner a young girl, probably 12 or 13, was playing her violin and it was a very somber song. The funniest part was the man some 20 feet away throwing up into a bush. The sad violin music accompanying this scene was absolutely hysterical, especially 13 hours into exercising.

I finished strong with my miles being about 2 min faster than the middle of the race.

More consistent push.

Massage, pizza and chocolate milk.


This is an excellent race for people of average and above ability. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it as a first as the hills can be VERY tough. The people of Coeur d'Alene are amazing and so supportive of the race.