Ironman 70.3 Augusta - Triathlon

FAST. Augusta is known for having a downhill swim but wow. For perspective my OWS times recently in races have been just under 1:30/100m, so this was ~15s improvement on pace. Thought the start was going to be rough since everyone was kind of pushing and elbowing before we even got in the water, but it was the most relaxed swim start I've ever done. Lined up at the front and didn't really get passed by anyone until about 1500yrds in when a massive draft pack when by me about 20 yards to my right; I couldn't catch them. I'm guessing a fish was stuck in traffic and then found an opening.

Nothing, I drafted a few feet, swam straight, and didn't run into the previous wave swimmers that were struggling.

Well. Since I was in almost the last swim wave there was a lot of traffic in T1 and the bike start. Looked like the start to a group ride honestly. That many of us mounting our bikes at once and rolling out.

Nothing

Went well, spent a lot of time yelling at people to stop blocking me. Rode up on my first draft pack in the first 10 miles. I got there right as an official did; I just cruised by it while the official sorted them out. Hydration/nutrition was executed perfectly for me too, which I was happy to have work out that way. I passed quite a few people in my AG but wasn't sure how many were in front of me.

Wish for less traffic. Maybe drink 1 extra bottle.

Came into transition the same time as another guy in my AG. When we got to the racks there were no other bikes in sight anywhere. The race was on. I was a little shocked I was anywhere near podium contention let alone possibly sitting at 1/2 with this guy.

Nothing, went well.

Started out running by feel. My HR was through the roof the entire race already so I knew using it as a guide wasn't possible. I quickly passed the guy I came into transition with, talked with him for a bit about our position in the race, and then dropped him. Ran sub 7min/mile pace for the first 5 miles and then the cramps came. Entire upper body was cramping, but my legs still felt fresh. Pushed on as much I could but kept slowing slightly. The guy I passed ended up passing me with 1 mile left in the run and was running like he felt great.

Maybe take more salt on the bike, lessons for next time.

I got dragged into the medical tent when I crossed the line, not by choice. I got quizzed a lot on what I had to drink and if I had peed any at all, I hadn't. Despite 2 bottles of Roctane an hour and drinking on the run course I was pretty dehydrated. Took 45 minutes for my HR to get below 120.


Cramping on the run. My legs felt great, but I couldn't breathe.


Great race. I was kind of thinking I had a 4:30 in me but knew it would be hard. Took a lot of mental strength to keep pushing on the run. Physically the whole race was easy until mile 5 of the run, then it got brutal.