Ironman 70.3 Florida - Triathlon

Swim felt very good. Was cautious being the first race of the year, but the winter training paid off. Felt strong the whole way and was able to really turn up the speed at the end. Probably started too slowly, but wanted to settle into the a full IM pace and see how it felt. Think I could hold this pace in Texas next month. Let the water strong and feeling confident.

For a full IM don't think I am going to do anything different. Felt really good. For shorter distances, At another half IM, I think this year I can start pushing the speed a bit.

Really took my time in transitions. Again, using this as a prep race for Texas where I will take my time in transition. Wasn't racing through transition as much as just getting set up on the bike and heading out for a nice ride.

I think I will pick up the pace. No sense taking it slow in transition. I can use the first few miles of the bike to settle in, so might as well get through T1 as quickly as possible without forgetting anything.

The bike felt really good, and when I came off at the end I was feeling strong. Again, the winter time on the trainer really seemed to pay off. Stopped at two of the three aid stations to refill the water and use the prta-potty. That didn't take too much time off and made the ride more comfortable. Will definitely do that in IM Texas.

Don't think I would do anything differently on the bike. Rode at a comfortable pace but not easy. Think I could hold that for the full IM. Will make a small adjustment in my seat and move it up just a little. I found that everyone now and then I had to scoot back to find a comfortable position. This won't be a major change, just a tweak.

As with T1, I took my time here; sat to change shoes, made sure to use socks and no pebbles, hit the restroom on the way out, etc. Really in on hurry. Had no problems at all transitioning to the run. The brick work over the winter had me well prepared to hit the run, so did all the bike work--my legs really weren't all that tired.

I think I need to pick the pace back up on the transitions. Took it too easy and didn't really need to.

Run felt a little slow, but as I have noted throughout the race, I was shooting for a IM pace that would feel comfortable. Walked through all the aid stations, which really helped and I will definitely do during the IM. Not sure if this is a pace I can hold for an IM; it was getting tougher during the third and final loop, but part of that may have been the heat. Had strong legs at the end though and was able to sprint the shoot with no problem. Perhaps the run could have been faster, but again, I felt on the edge of a sustainable pace.

Don't think I would tackle the run any differently.

I think the biggest limiter to my speed was just taking it a bit easy and approaching this as a practice for the IM. Especially during the run, I didn't chase people down like I usually do. That worked fine for what I wanted here. The heat was also a factor, but it will be in Texas as well.


This was my first race using UCAN Superstarch and was able to finish the whole race just on the starch and a banana--during the run. The stuff worked quite well and I never felt as though I was going to bonk. Lots of energy on the bike and through most of the run. No GI distress at all. Will continue to use it, but for the IM I am going to have to think about additional fueling during the run.