Ironman Arizona - TriathlonFull Ironman

I really expected this to go better. I was swimming better and faster than I had in a while during this training session and was shooting for closer to 1:07. Got beat up pretty bad like everyone else. Was never really in a groove and the end never seem to get closer. Finally hit the last turn around and struggled out of the water.

Try to adjust attitude.

Made it a priority to get through the transition fast. FAIL. I had my bibs under my wetsuit so saved time by not changing that. Just couldn't get moving. Kelly later told me I was very pale and white when I came out of the water. She said at that point she was pretty worried about me. Awfully glad she didn't let me know how I looked then.

Nada. Just couldn't get moving.

So not feeling great and just wanting to get back to feeling ok. Decide I will not look at Garmin or odometer and just ride easy. Keep HR in zone 1 and re-evaluate then. My legs felt great and I was getting in calories pretty well. Was shocked at end of first lap to see myself under 2 hours. I was pretty happy and thought I might be able to turn my day around. Wind switched a little bit for 2nd and 3rd lap but things were still clipping along quite well. Stopped at special needs and lost about 5 minutes waiting for the biff. Other than that was really happy with my ride. Probably could have gone 10-15 minutes faster np by pushing the pace to where I wanted to but have no regrets as I thought this pace would set up a great run.

Nothing. Very happy with bike.

Another slow transition. Was feeling great and ready to knock out a 12:00 finish. Legs felt great and I was ready to roll.

Nothing.

Disaster. I have no idea what happened. I was ready to roll and it went downhill almost immediately. Stomach was going crazy and couldn't hold anything down. Started feeling all pitiful and pathetic and wallowing in self pity. Saw Kelly after the first lap at 8.75 miles and she pointed out people were still coming in on the bike and I should suck it up. Lost my voice completely. Seemed like my body was just shutting down on me. At around mile 11 it dawned on me I had my medicine kit in my race belt that contained ibuprofen, tums, Immodium and salt tabs. Took everything I had in hopes it would turn things around. Started to feel better at mile 13 so thought I could start running again. Was able to run off and on again for an hour or so but was short lived. Eventually just worked in with another group of walkers all experiencing a rough day and we gutted out our finishes in hushed encouragement to each other.

Not sure what I could do. I thought I was set up perfectly for the run and it just didn't happen.

Made it through the finishers chute and was caught by two great catchers. They took care of me as I almost keeled over from lack of calories. Got me through and over to the food. I just looked at the pizza and fries in horror knowing there was no way I could eat anything yet. Found Kelly quickly and we made it back to the hotel.


No idea.


I'm sure this report sounds bad, but in retrospect I am happy with my race. Kelly is the greatest race Sherpa ever and provided me with a lot of insight and perspective. Despite a terrible run I still managed to PR the distance. I'm pretty sure I was coming down with something race day and am currently sick as I write this report. I'm going to put IM on hold for a few years and possibly longer. I think I just need a break after doing an IM 4 of the last 5 years. Great race, venue and support.