Ironman Coeur d'Alene - Triathlon

Pretty happy with swim.
Calves started cramping a bit on first to second loop beach run so I stopped freestyle kicking on second loop and did some breaststroke every 400m or so to stretch calf muscles.
Calves felt better upon exit.

Not sure what I'd do to avoid calf cramping. I think it was the nerves of being my first full IM.

Took my time in transitions to ensure I had everything in place cleanly ahead of the 112 mi bike ride. Had planned for slower transitions ahead of time.

Speed up transition a bit since I'll be more comfortable with it.

Bike felt OK. I would have liked to have finished closed to 6 hours, but didn't push it too hard knowing I had a marathon to run. Next time, I'll push it a little harder.

Train on hills more.
Push it a little more.

Stopped for a quick bio break on way to transition tent.
Like T1 took my time to ensure I had things pulled together going into the run.

Speed it up a bit.

I'll start by saying I'm a slow runner to begin with, so didn't have high expectations.
I decided to walk all support areas before race and stuck to it until the last 6 miles. Since I was feeling pretty good, I ran the final 6.
I also walk/ran the hills which I hadn't planned but my legs just weren't cooperating on the hills.

Keep working on my running to improve technique.
Go out a little faster since I finished the race and still had gas in the tank.

Walked around and chatted with other athletes.
Signed up for post race massage (about an hour after finish).
Ate some pizza and drank some water.


Not enough time to train to level I wanted to.
Held back some since it was my first Full IM distance.


Coeur d'Alene is a great place to have an Ironman and the people in town are incredibly supportive. In the days leading up to the race, almost everyone asked if I was participating and when they heard yes offered encouraging words and wished me luck. I actually saw a few of them cheering athletes on on race day. Great energy in the town.
Course seemed just about right to me. Would I have liked no hills for bike and run? Yes, but then it wouldn't have been as challenging.
Race volunteers did an awesome job. Always helpful and encouraging.
Only part I didn't think was quite up to snuff was the food. The pre-race meal was simple pasta and bread without too many choices. The post-race athlete area really only had fruit and pizza. Need more variety and choices of food. Beer would be great as a post-race beverage choice.