Timberman - Half Iron - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

This being my first 1/2 Ironman I was a bit nervous before my wave went off. Once I got into the warm that all went away pretty quickly. My plan was to take it easy on the swim since I had no experience in racing at this distance. Once my wave went off I took it easy and felt really comfortable the entire swim. The only problem I ran into was dealing with the sun and sighting. When I left the transition area to head over to the swim start the sun wasn't really out yet so I grabbed my clear goggles. By the time my ewave went off the sun was out and once you made the first turn it was tough to see the buoys because of sun glare.

Use goggles that are tinted. Now I know I could have pushed myself a bit harder. Once I was on the bike all I thought about o the bike is that the swim seemed to easy. I guess that was because of the pace I swam. gonna push a bit harder next time.

Once I came out of the water I was wooried about being too cold on the bike so I decided rather than be uncomfortable on the bike I'll try to dry myself off as well as I could. It definetly showed in my time. I also forgot to prepare my Gu's and Shot Bloks for the ride.

Turned out it wasn't as cold as I expected so I wasted some time drying off for nothing.Set up my nutrition better than double check it.

Rode some of the course during the week prior to the race. Decided to swap my cassette out for a 12-25 once I rode some of the hills. Made decision because I prefer riding at a higher cadence and figured this would save my legs while climbing some of the hills and then later in the run. Under trained for the hills. Also forgot to throw on some Chamois Buttr before ride. started to feel it later in the ride.

Need to put more miles in on the bike and get more long training rides in.

Better then first transition but this time I forgot to put out my socks and run cap while setting up in the morning (must have still been asleep). Ended up having to dig through bag to find the socks.

Again double chech to see if I have everything set up properly. Strange because this has never happened to me before. Nervous might have had something to do with it as well.

felt pretty good the first few miles then my entire body just started to hurt. I wasn't sure if it was cramps or just pain from the long day that running down my lower back and sides. It definately slowed me down but is wasn't going to stop me. I was happy I was on the run course and about to complete my first 1/2 Ironman.

Besides put more training (bricks and long runs) time in, not much.

Lack of experience in the distance. Plan on going back next year to see what type of improvements I make over the year.


Can't say enough about this event. It was by far the best event i have ever been to. There were plenty of volunteers and plenty of post race activities to enjoy. If all of Keith Jordans' events are this awesome I'm sure I'll be signing up for some of the other races he runs.