Ironman Arizona - Triathlon

I would've started a little more forward. I hung back hoping to stay away from the crowds and clumps of people, but with 2700 in the water, that was near impossible. Instead, I ended up getting stuck behind groups of people swimming slower than me so I would have to go max effort to get around and then get back into my rhythm. I was shooting for a 1:20 and came out in 1:15 so no complaints there. I probably could have been 5 minutes faster if I could've found some open water, but again with 2700 people that was probably impossible.

Was great having wetsuit strippers. I think I will hire a personal wetsuit stripper for all my future races.

I would've sacrificed the extra few minutes to put on full blown cycling shorts instead of wearing a tri-suit. The extra comfort would've allowed me to go faster for longer on the bike and would've been worth the extra time in the changing tent.

Overall a decent bike. I trained the bike the least leading up to the race and it certainly showed. I cramped up in my lower back and traps just from being in the aero position about 1.5 laps in. My legs were good so I know it was just from lack of time in the saddle. Also, the beeline has some sort of time-space continuum problem. I felt like I pedaled forever and never got anywhere. The small but long grade to the turnaround point took forever, but the following downhill was great. I averaged just over 20mph until I started cramping and then it fell to 18mph for an overall average of 18.6

Train the bike more and on the open road, not just a trainer. My lack of comfort on the bike really hurt my time. It was definitely frustrating and I thought I would have to walk the marathon due to the cramping issues.

Was great having someone rack your bike for you.

I should've grabbed the some of the nutrition I left on my bike. I didn't have a problem getting food on the run course but it would've been nice to eat a bit during transition.

Thankfully had a great first half marathon. I thought I would have to walk due to cramps that developed on the bike but easily settled into a 8:40 pace. After I hit mile 13, my lower back cramp came back and then turned into some lower ab cramps and hamstring cramps. Not sure if it is entirely due to the bike but I was expecting to cramp after how bad the bike went. Volunteers were great as well as aid stations well spaced. After about mile 17 I couldn't stomach any more nutrition but I didn't care at that point. I knew I would make the finish and also finish in under 12 so I didn't care.

I wouldn't change much with my run, I think my biggest issues developed from lack of bike training.

Took a bite of pizza and some french fries but couldn't stomach anymore. Eventually puked up everything I had in my stomach on the way home.


Lack of bike training, I didn't have nearly enough miles on the bike coming into the race. I need to get with a cycling group and put in long rides on the weekends before I do another full iron distance.


Very happy for my first full iron. Nothing like that finisher's chute. I learned a lot and think I could easily get into the high 10, low 11 hour range with some better training coming in.