Ironman 70.3 San Juan - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

There is a quarter mile run after the swim to T1 and I just slow jogged it - but everyone else was flying. I'm not sure that it was worth risking slipping or cutting your foot for 20 seconds - but thats just me. Wait until you see how slow I am on the bike, then you will understand.

I took my sweet time doing everything - but I never put on more sunscreen & I forgot my arm coolers. Both were costly mistakes. I also took a big water bottle with me full of fresh water to dump on myself (and down my shorts) to avoid any chafing. I know it was silly - but trading 10 seconds for comfort was worth it.

Bathroom break included in this transition time and I also applied some sunscreen bc I felt my arms cooking on the bike.

Apply sunscreen to the area between my watch & hand - I totally missed it and I cooked for it. Its been two weeks and my skin is still red right there.

Thank God the bike was over. This was my first 70.3, so it was my first time really needing to focus on nutrition. I also wanted to make sure to fend off the (overly hyped) heat during the run. I started out running about 9:30 pace but I was spending 30 seconds (at least) at the aid stations waiting for ice/water/Gu. I felt really good so I kept picking it up and then I ran the last 7 miles at 8 min pace - but I kept spending 30 seconds per mile at the aid stations. Nothing makes you feel like an amateur then realizing accidentally ruined your running split by stopping too much/too long at the aid stations.

If you are a strong runner and don't mind heat much, this is a great course and I wish I had hammered the run. I made a big rookie mistake with the aid stations, but I think that any strong runner can really make up a lot of time on this course. I went from 823 overall to 602 - including all my wasted time. Between the scenery, the crushing hills and the ocean breeze, this has to be one of the best (and most challenging) courses I've ever run.

Gave my wife a hug then got a massage


focusing on my IM HR zones in a HIM.


Overall I thought this was a great early season race. It was my first 70.3 but relative to the DC-area triathlons, it was significantly better. DC tris won't even start up until mid-April so I was able to get a pretty good jump on my training for the year.