HITS Triathlon Series: Naples - Full Iron Course - Triathlon

This was my second open-water swim ever, and I didn't adjust well to the waves. Once I got used to them (actually beyond them, they mostly disappeared after the first bouy), I was able to get into a nice rhythm and just kept chugging along. LOTS of volunteers around to assist and yell encouragement.

I didn't know what I was supposed to do after the swim. So instead of running to the transition area I stood around and drank some coconut water and took off my wetsuit. Probably added several minutes to my time.

Run to the transition and THEN think about getting out of my wetsuit, hydrating, etc... Also, would have started near the front of the crowd instead of at the back.

Since I wasn't really "racing" for time, but instead to finish, I wasn't trying to hurry too much. I just wanted to make sure I did everything.

So, I took my chip off when I removed my wetsuit, and then left it in the transition area. Fortunately I noticed 5 miles into my ride, and the race officials were kind enough to let my wife get it and bring it to me.

Loved the bike ride, the roads were great and while there was a lot of wind riding out, it was at my back on the return. On the way back we had to ride into a new development which has a big brick pavers entry. That entry was awful, and it caused at least one biker to wreck. Another biker got hit by a car that was coming out of a shopping center, but both riders were ok as far as I know. The local police did a great job managing intersections, and aid stations were a good distance apart.

Remembered my chip! I also would have started stronger, I didn't really start working hard until about 35 miles in.

Broke my sunglasses getting my helmet and riding shirt off (I was wearing two shirts in the ride because it was cold when I started). I spent too long fiddling with them and getting them back in shape, not thinking about how it was going to be dark soon anyway and I wouldn't need them. I also forgot my bib, and had to return to get it after I was about a half mile into the run. That added considerable time to the transition.

Been more organized and deliberate in my approach to changing (I was a little tired). Remembered my bib!

I hadn't run that far in 10 years, so I took it easy. Turns out my training was great, as I never felt like I was hitting a wall and I had plenty of energy left at the end.

I should have remembered my bib, and I should have run a little harder. I'm not a fast runner to begin with, but I could have maintained a 12.5 pace.

didn't do one really


This was my first full, and I just wanted to finish. So I approached everything at about 75% effort. I worked harder in the second half of the swim and bike, but never really went all out for time.


I really had a great time, and would recommend this for anyone looking to do their first full.