Ironman Maryland - Triathlon

The swim was delayed to 7:30 and shortened due to high winds. The water was quite cold. The swim felt the best of any of the races I have done. Finding open water was a challenge, as was navigation with the modified course.

Changing tent was packed and crowded. I forgot to use lube, which would affect me during the bike. I kept on tri kit and added bike jersey, arm warmers, gloves, and toe covers due to cold temperatures.

Not be shocked by changing tent and don't forget lube.

The bike was all about fighting the wind and staying upright. The first part of each loop had a tailwind, but the reminder were cross-winds and headwinds. My new bike fit and wheel set up helped immensely, as I passed a lot of people on the bike. I used a gel to lube at the half-way point when I was starting to hurt. I stopped 3 times to use portajohns on the ride.

Remember lube. Keep up long ride training.

Due to rescheduled race, there were no bike handlers. We had to run and rack our own bikes. I changed into running shorts and shirt. I kept on the arm warmers due to the cold temperatures.

The run went pretty well until about mile 17 and even though was OK until mile 20 or so. I need to be able to sustain a good running pace through the entire marathon. It was the first, so I'm OK with this. I ran with a guy from Philly for the first lap, maybe 9 or so miles. Kristen showed up about 7 miles into the run.

Keep up the training to sustain running pace through entire event.

Sat and ate post-race food in Ironman Village, while celebrating with family. Bought finisher gear so I wouldn't have to return Sunday morning. Walked back to transition to collect bike and gear. Returned to hotel for the night.


Wind on the bike.


The local race director, Gerry Boyle, and his staff were amazing to get the race re-scheduled after the postponement. The event was well run as most Ironman events are. The only complaints about the event were the lack of food for spectators. The food truck could not handle the number of people seeking food. And the lack of a promised finish line beer garden. Otherwise, the race was great. The wind got very tiresome after a while.