Ironman Lake Tahoe - Triathlon

Cold air temps, cold water, 6000 ft elevation. Took it really easy on first lap. Was hoping that leg cramps wouldn't catch me, but they did with 500 yds to go. Had to hop onto one of the platforms to work out the horrific leg, foot, toe cramp. Probably lost 2 minutes there. Had to just tough out the last yards to get out of the swim and keep going.

leg cramps plague me on swims- had 2 OWS earlier in the season of 2+ miles and didn't have them. Guessing the cold water was to blame.

Given the conditions, T1 went okay. Hands completely useless so thankfully the volunteer was amazing and helped put on the following: 2 sets of leg warmers, wool socks, 2 tri tops, 2 sets arm warmers, 1 wind jacket, long gloves, helmet and shoes. I was lucky that I got there early enough to have room and a dedicated volunteer to help with all of the garb.

Run from changing tent to bike was a long one- in bike shoes! Finally found bike, volunteer scraped off the ice on the saddle and off we go!

learn to go faster downhill!

quick change to shed layers- switched to run shorts, 1 tri top, t set arm warmers

The bike pretty much killed my legs so took awhile to find a rhythm that just didn't happen . Ran steady for first few miles, then moved to a walk / run pace. Focused on running 3x as much as the walking.

Temps got much cooler when the sun went down so grabbed a fleece and gloves from special needs.

Stayed on nutrition plan- 4 gus and some chicken broth to keep me going

Altitude likely had an effect but hard to tell after cold swim and hard bike what the issue was. My training for the run was great- hit all of my long training runs and felt like I could have gone 4:20 or so- so 30 minutes slower was disappointing

not sure

met family and walked around a bit. Shower, a quick bite and then down to cheer in and help friend.


weather, altitude. relentless hills


IMLT is not for the faint of heart. I would have a hard time recommending to a first timer simply because the weather, altitude and bike course are so unique. If you have access to train at altitude and hills, you'll be okay. I train on hills, but don't have mountains to climb in TN!

The setting is awesome- it's by far the most beautiful course. Volunteers and local support are great- and bragging rights for this one are large. If you do sign up- be prepared for anything and bring all of your gear! I had to buy jacket on site and thankful that I did- wouldn't have made it in those conditions without it!