Ironman 70.3 Raleigh - Triathlon

This was one of my best swims although my time doesnt reflect it. I let most of my group go before me so I didnt get kicked or punched a single time. I got in a groove and enjoyed the swim. Even my goggles cooperated by not fogging up, and I only had to stop once to let the water out of the right side.

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Running out of the water I noticed my right eye was blurry. I think it was because that side had filled with water. The wetsuit strippers were standing by so I plopped on the ground and in an instant my wetsuit was off. My bike was at the other end of the transition area so I had a long run to reach it. I dumped all my run gear out of the bag and sat down next to it. Everything went smooth as I put on the socks, shoes, helmet and garmin.

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Several things went bad from the start. My garmin didnt load satellites and went into the "are you indoors" mode. I never did get the thing to work right. My bike computer didnt start registering miles until I was about 6 miles in, so I had to rely on the road signs to tell me how far I was along. As if that wasnt bugging me enough I noticed the shield on my aero helmet had become detached and was balancing on my nose. I tried to fix it on the move but ended up stopping on a bridge and fixing it. I took a moment and looked at the lake, it was a beautiful day. Off in the distance I could see the swim start. I guessed they were still out there swimming. I passed the first aid station but was ready for a bathroom break by the second. The bike was going good and I was averaging about 18mph which is good (for me anyway). I waved at all the people rooting and cheering and was enjoying the ride. It was shortly after that everything went south, except the hills which suddenly became my worst enemies. Some of those hills had me wondering if I could even make it to the top or would I have to get off my bike and walk it to the top. One of the aid stations was placed on these hills, so if I was going to get anything from them I was going to have to dismount. I kept going, at a slow 16mph pace, to the bike finish. Even the end was on a hill and I dismounted at T2 in the smallest chain ring. I was so happy that ride was over but not looking forward to the run. My quads were shot.

I would and should have trained for the bike. We only did 3 rides that reached 50-52 miles.

As soon as I got off the bike I ran to my spot on the rack. My legs were not happy but I figured they would wake up soon enough. Once again my garmin was failing to load the satellites. Its a good thing there wasnt a trash can by me or I would have thrown it away. Put on shoes, sunglasses, Run to Remember shirt, hat and out of transition I went.

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My strides were shorter than normal but I was able to complete the first loop without issue. There were a couple nice hills that slowed me down to a snail pace. The aid stations were filled with awesome volunteers. I got water and a couple cups of coke. They had lots of ice soaked sponges that went on the back of my neck. After completing the first loop I could see the finish line and the faster people finishing to the cheers of the crowd. Then it was a left turn to go back out there. This time I decided to walk up the hills and run the downhills and flats. The second loop was 12 minute miles so I figure I walked more than I remembered. I remember saying to myself that I only had a half mile to go and couldnt hardly run another step. Somehow once you see that finish line all the pain leaves the body.

Dont really know. I suppose I should be stronger mentally and not walk.

After the finish it was pictures, pizza, water, then wait for Maria who started 28 minutes after me.


Although I only swam a half dozen times this year my swim was good and my average (non current) time. I did not bike mush at all in training. This was the biggest thing that kept me from having a good time. The run would have been better had my legs not blown on the bike. Overall I was happy with my performance and had a fun time.


Driving up to Raleigh Friday and doing the expo and packet pick up took a load off of Saturday. One thing was the 35 minute drive from T2 to the swim start and T1. Once the bike was dropped off there was no going back to check it so you had to make sure everything wsa good to go. Other than that it was a great race.The volunteers were great. and there were lots of aid stations. If I never do this race again its only because of the hills.