Ironman 70.3 Muncie - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I am a strong, fast swimmer but learned several races ago to take my time and swim easy to save energy for the bike where I am weaker. I just focused on swimming easy, keeping good form, and just swimming to the next buoy to stay relaxed.

I liked this course because the buoys and sighting was to the right which is my preferred side to breath on if given a choice. I found sighting the buoys on the way out and across the back to be easy. I could see a thing coming back in as we were swimming directly into the rising sun. The field was pretty spread out by then so there was always someone to follow. I just followed the angle of the sun on the water and the feet in front of me and trusted that they were heading to the beach.

I need to get one of those fancy triathlon wet suits.

There is a long run of a few hundred yards up the beach from the transition area. Much of it crosses gravel. There was a narrow rug to run on. I got slowed behind slow walkers a few times. Found my bike in the center of the crowded transition area without problem. I had walked right by it twice before the race so I was a little nervous about missing it.

I was satisfied with T1. Could have run a little sooner after the swim but I was still trying to get my legs back. Maybe I need to start doing short runs after long training swims just to get the feel faster.

I was very happy with my bike segment. Biking used to be my weakest area so it has been the focus of my training. I felt good the entire time. I kept thinking I was going too fast early on because I was passing so many people so easily. I kept checking my heart rate and cadence and all seemed fine so I kept going.

I made the turn off the loop for the final ride back to T2 and remembered thinking that I felt good enough to do another lap.

This was by far the largest race I have ever been in. I didn't get penalized for drafting so I am not complaining, but I felt like I was drafting too much and couldn't figure out how to avoid it. There was just always someone in front of me. I did see plenty of people in the penalty tent so the officials where watching. It seems like they could have penalized everyone if they wanted to. I have read the drafting rule so I understand what it says but maybe I don't understand what it means.

I missed three water bottles at the first aid station. I couldn't get a grip on them and I knocked them out of the good volunteers hands - sorry boys. I didn't have time to grab any nutrition at that aid station either. I was almost out of water by the second aid station so I had to slow way down so I could get two bottles and a gel packet. I need to remember to go a little slower through that first aid station so I don't get behind.

Had a good T2. I found my spot without a problem. Took a little extra time to take some ibuprofen and put some icy hot on around my knees as a preventative measure for the run. Also took some time to add more sunscreen but still burned my shoulders.

Was going to apply some chap stick but forgot.

This was my first half marathon and first half IM so my goal was to run 10 minute miles the first half and see how I felt with the plan to pick up the pace if I felt good. I ran 9:39/mile the first half and felt okay but was starting to get some knee pain which is typical for me. I could hold that pace and ran 10:54/mile the second half.

I need to figure out the run. I think it is now my weakest area. The knee pain after 5 miles is becoming far too common. It is mostly on the outside of the right knee exterior to the joint itself. I don't know if I have a medical issue, a training issue, problem with my running form, a shoe issue, or something else. My heart and lungs don't seem to be slowing me down so I know there has to be potential. I am too tall with long legs to be running this slow. I have noticed in the race photos my right foot turns out on my stride. Maybe I am twisting my knee somehow.

Got my medal and hat. Hugged my wife even though I was sweaty and hot. Got my picture taken in front of the Ironman sign. Stretched. Ate. Stretched. Drank water. Ate. Stretched. Slept. Had a happy contented felling deep down inside.


Run performance


My first 70.3! This was a great race. The volunteers were great. The fans were awesome - I got goose bumps and a little choked up running down the finisher chute as several hundred people I didn't know cheered for me. I will definitely do this race again.