Ironman Florida - Triathlon

swim cancelled, T1 took over 1.5 hours

Started directly into a headwind for the first 20 miles. Though my HR was 130+, my speed was below 17 mph. This was demoralizing. Once that part was over, it became more tolerable overall. There were plenty of aid stations and I was drinking alot and taking a gel every hour. I saw my wife at mile 50 which was great and again at 60. My biggest worry was constantly having to urinate which I think I did 5x throughout the course. After 4 hours, I switched from gels to salt tabs and citrus cliff blocks. (The Dragon tent during the expo off site was key for finding nutrition which was sparse in IM Village). I kept drinking and felt better at mile 80 than at mile 10. Continued to be disciplined about my pace and keep my HR in mid-high Zone 1 (130 or so). Ended up averaging 18.5 mph and 130 HR.

Not too much other than maybe drank too much liquid. Pace was such that I felt I could have ridden another hour or so if I needed to.

At IM they rack your bike. My feet and toes were totally numb so I walked to the changing tent and took my time changing and de-robing. Just left on my tri-kit and t-shirt. Walked to the start of the run to try and feel my toes again. Had the ladies apply some sunscreen.

Bring a change of socks in my T2 bag.

started with a pace that felt comfortable. Could feel my feet again right away. HR went into the high 130's. Knew I had a long way to go so wanted to keep it there. Had black cherry cliff shots and salt tabs. Went with cliff shot every 2 miles and a salt tab every 3. Water stations, volunteers and cheering were great. By half way point, sun was basically down and it started getting cold. Continued with second package of black cherry cliff shots and salt pills. Changed shirt at halfway point as well. By mile 16-17, started having some cola. It was Sam's brand and not flat but it seemed to work. I've never had it in a race before. By the turn at the state park on the second loop it was really cold and I started with chicken broth, again something I've never had in a race before. At first I about gagged but by mile 20-22, I was craving it every stop. It was like gold, it was so warm and refreshing. I managed to keep running at my slow pace and avoided any cramping. I picked it up the last 3 miles and was able to get my HR over 140 for those. Was able to finish pretty strong and hear Mike Reilly call me an Ironman!

Not much. Happy with this time in these conditions and that I was able to run the whole thing except the aid stations and not cramp.

I drank some chocolate milk at the finish which was a mistake because then I couldn't stop shivering and had to go inside, have more broth and hot chocolate. I was so cold at this point I could barely walk to the condo I was shivering so hard. Thanks so much that my wife was able to provide a coat and also get my bike to TBT. I felt so bad for those still out on that dark, eerie, cold course that late at night (and I finished around 8pm).

An Ironman can't be adequately described. It must be experienced.


It was a long, cold, windy race.


First "ironman", though without the swim. Weather was challenging. Volunteers were great. Cheering sections on the run course were great. Aid stations were great. Chicken broth was gold.