Ironman Florida - Triathlon

I've read upwards of 50 race reports before this race and no matter how many times people tell you that you're going to get the snot beat out of you the entire swim, it still didn't sink in until I was in the thick of it.

The first 100 yards weren't bad because of the sand bar and most people walked it because the waves were quite large. From there on it was punch-kick-crawl over-elbow-breath-repeat. At the first turn buoy a person was dog paddling and swiftly kicked me in the jaw, then kicked my finger so hard I thought it was broken (turns out just badly jammed) which hurt my pull stroke the rest of the swim.

Honestly, I never really found calm water the entire swim. I hate swimming anyways but I guess being around 1:20 time is the average swim time so it had the largest grouping of people.

Temperature wish it felt great and once past about 200 yards the large waves didn't have any effect. Absolutely loved having a walk on the beach before starting the second lap. I swallowed some salt water on occasion and getting a fresh cup of water helped.

Wear a football helmet? Take swimming more serious so that I can be ahead of the masses.

The tent was a bit crowded but that's what you get being in the 1:10-2:00 range. I went slow and steady so I wouldn't forget anything. I dried off my feet, applied more chamois butter, wiped off my face with baby wipes, got some more water, and was on my way.

I would skip the wetsuit strippers. My reasoning is because you have to lay down in the sand and you get covered in it. The showers that you run through on the way to changing tent don't really get 10% of it off of you.

The course was smooth and fast with a few exceptions (mainly SN out and back section). The winds were still quite heavy and I swear we had a headwind most of the day. I really didn't encounter too many huge draft packs like I've heard of on this site. The refs were out in full force which was nice.

It was a beautiful day out and the scenery was very nice. It also helps if you love watching all the bikes. I passed and was passed by some beauties which helps take your mind off racing when you have fun critiquing everyone's ride.

My plan was to take in two Infinit Nutrition bottles with 3 hours worth of concentrated drink mix and chase it with water. This is what I've been using all year in training but race day it just didn't work for me. I think I had too much protein in my mix which helps you not feel hungry while you're riding. My next race I will do one bottle with protein and the last 3 hours without protein.

My stomach was bloated and I was gassy from mile 85 until I finished my race. I had a bit more trouble peeing on the bike this race for some reason as well. Not really sure why.

Other than bloating I was really thrilled with my bike time. I could have shaved another 15 minutes off my time but I purposely held back on the bike to save my legs for the run.

Really nail down my nutrition which I thought I had but oh well.

Again I took my time and made sure I didn't skip anything. I dried my feet, applied more Body Glide, washed my salty face with baby wipes, and was out the door...to the bathroom. Hello stomach cramps, we will be great enemies the rest of the day!

Nothing

My legs felt strong because I keep with my race plan and didn't overcook on the bike. Too bad the stars didn't align with my nutrition also working perfectly or I could have done much better on the run.

I've been averaging 8:15-8:30/min miles on my 20 mile runs the past few months so knowing that I had legs that were willing to crush the course but a stomach that said don't pants your poop was tough. Actually I'd have been really happy if I could have used the bathroom but too much protein in my bike drink made me feel heavy, bloated, and extremely gassy. Way too many times than I'd like to admit my body would let one rip and all I could do was laugh and say "slingshot...engaged" and I tried to speed past people.

The fan support was incredible down the entire course. Aid stations were a blast and very well stocked. The ladies dressed in sexy costumes made for a very nice mental break as well.

I never really came into the mental demons like I did last year at IMKY. My legs were good but I could only muster a 10 min/mile pace with the more than occasional stop so my stomach could settle again.

I had to abandon my nutrition plan and just go with water, coke, chicken broth, and the occasional potato chips to get in enough sodium.

I want to say pull up my skirt and run because my stomach was going to hurt no matter what but that might have landed me in medical with a DNF. Overall I'm still very happy with my times.

Well deserved pizza, chocolate milk and massage. I sent my parents, my wife, and my passed out 2 year old daughter back to the room with my bike and bags and decided to walk around a bit and grab more food and talk to a few friends before heading back for a painful shower (guess for forgot to stop for sunscreen!).


Bad call on the bike nutrition lead to excessive bloating, cramping, and gas. Other than that, great day.


I will definitely do this race again someday but since IM Chattanooga (15 minutes away from my house) was announced it became my race for the next few years.