Ironman 70.3 Raleigh - Triathlon

Right about where I thought I would be. Got washed over by chop a few times and definitely drifted wide between a couple of buoys, but was able to keep a nice steady rhythm going. The swim did seem to take forever for me and I didn't think I'd ever see the 2nd turn buoy.

Uneventful. Moved a little slower than I could have due to after swim wobbles.

I was following a strategy I read online for success in a first 70.3 that focused on using heart-rate to reduce the likelihood of a blow up on the run so I had my watch set to display heart rate prominently and focused on keeping it close to and under 140. I was SLOW and passed relentlessly during the early part of the bike and was slow and passed less frequently during the later portion of the bike only because everyone fast had already passed me. Crowds on the bike were awesome and some friends showed up several times on the course giving me a big boost. I was wearing an Athens Cycling Jersey and got a lot of shout-outs for Athens and Ohio. Felt really good the whole ride and was able to eat and hydrate well. I was worried about a flat or other issue, but had no mechanical issues with my 1986 Peugeot - "triathlon" model.

Next time I'll go faster. I left too much on the table, but I would definitely recommend this strategy to someone else doing a 70.3 for the first time because it did result and a race where I never bonked and was able to finish strong.

Hopped off the bike and headed to my gear. Family was there to surprise me as I didn't think I'd see them until the run course. So good to see them and give each a hug and a kiss as I set off on the run.

Felt good heading out, but kept it under control for the first couple miles. Saw more friends on Hillsborough street and under the tunnel after turning into Meredith. Have never felt more supported in a race by all the folks out there and the many spectators I saw on the course that I knew. I was now passing back huge numbers of people that had passed me on the bike and was one of just a few others I saw running (albeit at a slow pace) up all the hills at the Art museum. It was HOT. Poured water over my head and drank a water and sports drink at every station. Also threw a bunch of ice in my Jersey when ice was available.

I couldn't get rid of the feeling in the back of my head that a cramp was going to strike at any moment even though it never did. I felt so good at the end that I wish I had pushed it a little bit more.

Caution. I was super cautious out there on the bike and a little too cautious on the run.


Fantastic race. Well organized and supported. Proud of Raleigh and all the enthusiastic support that was out there on the course. Grateful for the friends and family that came out to support me. Look forward to doing it again.