Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

The water was really cold for about 5 minutes, then it felt really good. I had done an open water swim at only one other event, but I was ready for the washing machine. I stayed to the outside and tried to avoid most of the chaos, and for the most part I was pretty successful. However, one kick to the goggles (that were not on tight enough) at about 300 yards in, allowed for salt water to start creeping in. Let's just say that after that I had to stop about every 100-150 yards to let the water out of the goggles. Eyes burning...couldn't see a thing. At the first turn, instead of turning at a 90 degree turn, I did about a 45...so I was heading back towards the start. One of the guys in the kayak had to shout at me and get me going back in the right direction. I'd probably gone 50 yards in the wrong direction. CRAP! After getting out of the water, all I could do was laugh. Oh well, it could have been worse.

Put my goggles on about 5 minutes earlier than I did, and tighten the hell out of 'em. Other than that...maybe learn how to swim correctly with better form. I'm thinking that could help a bit.

I went in to this knowing my transition times were going to be slow. I'm cool with that. I wanted to make sure I was physically and mentally ready before heading out. I helped a friend of mine get his jersey on about 5 guys down from me, and off I went. No complaints.

It will get faster and easier the more I race. No worries or concerns.

I, like probably everyone, wasn't really sure what to expect from the cross-winds and 95% flat course. So I had moderate expectations of what I was expecting. I really enjoyed the ride. The wind wasn't anywhere near as bad as what I was expecting and the overcast made the temperature perfect. Almost everyone I passed or passed me was very nice and followed the "laws of the road". Only saw a couple people drafting, and 2 jerks who threw their trash in the middle of the road. Aid stations. So...as this was my first experience with a bike aid station, I was a little nervous getting my first bottle. The hand-off went great and I was glowing with pride. I went down to put the bottle in it's cage when I realized I already had 2 bottles there. I'd just passed the last trash area. My jersey didn't really have big pockets for a bottle, just 2 little pockets for gu, so I rode the next 15 miles or so with a bottle in one hand. Also a moment that just made me laugh to myself. Oh well. We move on. Other than that little drama of dorkdom the ride was nice. I could have done better, but with my training where it is, I really can't complain. Of the 3 disciplines, this is the one I was most proud of.

Start with only 1 bottle.
Other than that, I think more time on the bike will fix all here.

Again, took the time to gather myself before heading out. No complaints here.

Forced myself to eat something before heading out.

HA HA HA HA HA!!! Ka-Boom! After finishing the first mile, I heard the music from The Price is Right in my head, when someone just misses winning a car. Whah whah whah...

The run wasn't bad...it was horrible. Or I should say half of the run was horrible...the other half wasn't a run...it was a walk.

I will just say, the crowd of people were awesome, very supportive and a blast. But this was horrible. All I can do is train more and do longer bricks to help my body get used to the distance. Also, after an overcast bike, the sun came out with a vengence and the run was HOT.

And after sucking it up and trying to finish strong, I got to the 13 Mile marker. There it was! I had 0.1 of a mile left. Then, with no warning...I got a cramp in the back of my hamstring. The kind of cramp that wakes you up in the middle of the night screaming in pain. I couldn't move my leg. I stood there next to the 13 mile marker trying to stretch it out. I wasn't walking through that finish line. I stretched for about 2 minutes (felt like 30) and a racer that had already finished leaned over to me and said, "Hey, you got this, just stretch it out. Deep breath, finish strong". I know it sounds corny, but I'll never forget that guy. Exactly what I needed. Off I went. 70.3 complete.

As far as running: Everything you can do differently, I need to do.

Pizza, beer, water, banana, stretching. Made out with my supportive kick-ass wife.


Spend more time training. Be better at fuel intake.


Awesome experience, well organized staff and volunteers. Very supportive city, and a really fun course. Overall, I have nothing to complain about. I went in for the experience and to finish. I learned a lot, and I now know tons of things that will help me for my next half. And that one, I'll have goals! Big goals. I have expectations now!