Ironman Maryland - Triathlon

Very happy to see you could pick your projected time and walk in start with athletes swimming around your same pace. First 80 meters to the first bouy pretty slow, I was just trying not to get kicked in the face or loose my goggles. I was very pleased with my swim, could have pushed it harder, but wasn't taking any chances as this was my first IM and had a long day ahead of me.

Could have pushed a little harder.

Wetsuit strippers and volunteers in the changing tent were great!

Run slow thru transition, with a long day ahead of me I was thinking this would be a good time to take a little break and keep my heart rate down

wind direction was hard to figure out. Flat course, aid stations- supplied well and just in time for bathroom breaks.
Special Needs bag- dry socks (comfort is key), chapstick (didn't think I needed it, but put it on anyway), sunscreen (a little more never hurts), (1) GU gel with caffeine (didn't need it, plenty at aid stations), extra lube (DZ nuts, reapply at 58 mile mark-absolute must) Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes 1 per hour/perfect for me.

Race day, nothing. My nutrition solid/gel was perfect, liquid/ perfect (3) pee breaks,
Training-Messed around using the wrong saddle until 6 weeks before race. I couldn't ride over 3 1/2 hours with real pain. Once I found my current saddle, I had to cram all my long rides into a 5 week period, including my one and only century. I should have done more longer rides (6+)

I had a complete change of cloths
Bike - (cycling shorts, short sleeve cycling jersey)
Run - (running shorts, sleeveless tri jersey)
apply lube to tips of toes and butt crack area (learned that area from running prior marathon)

again I walked thru transition, I should have ran.

Again, volunteers in the changing tent were great

I ran the week prior with a head lamp (actually worn around my waist) picked up the light at the 18 mile special needs bag, glad I did, it gave me more confidence while running in the dark. I was clearing the aid station around 9;30pm or so (24 mi. point?/I think) at Great Marsh Park when an official advised I missed cut off or was about to miss cut up and to pick up my pace. I wasn't in the mood to argue and wasn't about to let 9 months of training be taken away from me. So I did what any IRANMAN would do, sprinted the remaining 2.2 miles. My pace went from 14:10 to 9:13 per mile. My survey to WTC explained my opinion on having a run cut off so close to the finish (2.2 miles) with such a long time to finish (mid-night). The printed cut off time was 10:50pm, but may have changed at the pre-race meeting?

Maintain a faster pace. Nutrition and liquid were perfect, walked the aid stations as I do every marathon.
* I ran a marathon in March (my second) before starting my 6 mo BT plan, as a reminder I could still run the distance and I'm glad I did. It gave me the mental strength to finish. I know most people say its not necessary to run a marathon before running IM, but I won't try an IM without doing a marathon first, just my opinion.

Meet my wife after the finish line, moved to the VIP tent for a quick drink and something to eat before making our way to the car. Stopped at McDonalds on the way back to the hotel. Washed the burger and fries down with a cold beer at the hotel and slept like a Baby.

Purchased the VIP race day pass for my wife last minute after realizing she was going to there all day/night by herself. There were some logistical problems (inaugural event) but, if you have a single family member or older parents and can afford the $250. it was worth it.


Not enough long bike rides differently carried over to the run.


This race being my first attempt at the IM distance I wanted a flat course. I think this is a perfect race for a first timer. (IM distance) The city of Cambridge really rolled out the welcome mat and the local volunteers were great. Besides the communication issue with the run cut off, I had a fantastic day and highly recommend this race.