Ironman Florida - Triathlon

Swim cancelled due to high winds and rip current.

Swim cancelled at Start, T1 inside to stay warm. Did not start until 9:20am as they released cyclists by wave based on number (I was 1795).

Make sure that I have warm clothes

25mph sustained winds with gusts and very cold. Biking into the wind for the first 30-40 miles and the wind never let up. Felt like I was cycling 20-22mph but only averaged 17mph. Felt like I performed well on the bike despite the conditions and my not feeling well.

Was very dehydrated due to stomach virus leading into the race with lots of loose stools. Got off of bike 4-5 times to use the bathroom which cut out time but I really didn't feel well in spots and thought that I may poop my pants. Stomach very upset. GI distress.

Took a long time in transition to stretch out and warm up and get hydrated. Low back hurt badly from being in the aero position the whole time on the flat course. Was not feeling well. Got Caleb to do ART on my calf muscle while lying on the ground. Took my time to use the restroom and get something to eat.

Speed it up!

Started off my run well and maintained a great pace through the half-marathon. (10-11min/mi). Was pleased with this pace. However, it started to get really windy and cold once the sun went down. I felt dizzy around mid-point of run (mile 13.1). Went from a run to a walk and tried to get nutrition and fluids. Ate a slice of pizza and chips hoping that it would help. Also felt like my salt may be low. Started to feel dizzy while walking even. Got really nervous as it was still very cold and windy and was starting to get the chills showing that I was dehydrated. Stopped at a rest stop around mile 15 to use the restroom and sat in the port-o-potty for a while to keep warm. Started to put on clothes but got the chills really bad. I figured since I didn't do the swim portion because it was cancelled that it wouldn't be a full race anyways and that I should just pull out instead of continuing on for 2+ hours walking being cold and dehydrated. Felt like my body might be going into shock. Told the rest stop attendant and he radioed for a cart to take me to medical and I covered up with plastic bags.

Try to not be sick going into the race. Watch nutrition the week of the race. Stay warm and stay hydrated.

Medical Tent


Illness, GI distress, dehydration.


My first DNF comes with obvious disappointment and heartbreak. Swim cancelled due to high winds and rip current so that started the day off on the wrong foot. I will be back in 2015 to conquer this race!