Beast of the East Half Ironman - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I started off with the swim and things were going great! I was drafting off some people and seemed to have no problems. It wasn't until I got to the back, that my goggles and swim cap came off. I eventually made it to a buoy and situated myself so I can get the goggles and swim cap on. By that time I was so far behind everyone.

Literally glue my goggles and swim cap on.

This was by far my worst discipline for the day. I literally wanted to quit at least a dozen times. The course was very hilly, and I don't know if I wasn't prepared or it was my nutrition or it just wasn't my day. I had the truck picking up the bike cones right behind me the whole entire time and I swear I thought about getting off my bike and throwing it back of the truck so I can be done. At one point of the course, I had motorists flipping me off and honking their horns at me. Of course, the natural thing for me to do was flip them off. I was all the way over to the right, and if I was any further I would have went into a ditch.

I really need to work on my nutrition on the bike. I honestly think that was my main problem.

I had a good transition, and when I was riding into transition they announced I was the last cyclist. I'll admit that I got a big smile on my face when everyone clapped and said way to go. I can't complain about that.

The run went alright. I thought for sure since my run is my strong point that I would be able to pick some people off. I unfortunately couldn't catch up to anyone. My stomach was not feeling too well, and the sun was out. When I got into transition after my ride, I looked down and saw that I was around 5 hours. I figured that even on a bad day, I should be able to complete the run in 2:30 hours and finish around 7:30. Unfortunately that did not happen.

I think nutrition and not getting enough rest played a factor. I also think that I might not have been physically ready for the course.


This is a great race, and I will admit that I probably shouldn't have chose this as my first half ironman. With that being said, I did learn alot and that no matter how bad I felt and how much my mind was telling me to quit, I kept going. What I need to do now, is learn from my mistakes and apply what I learned for Ironman CDA. BTW...my watch and the race clock had me at 7:56 and some change, but according to the race results on active, they had me at 8:00:53. I like the 7:56 time a little better.