Ironman Louisville - TriathlonFull Ironman

Well I was really excited going into the swim. Started off really well and just took my time. I kept thinking to myself, just enjoy yourself and don't go to hard. The course maps showed us going about 1/2 mile to the end of the island and turning around. Well, I guess the maps were really not to scale, there were two additional bouys to pass before the turn around. That was ok, I was wondering how they would make up the additional mileage. Once I made the turn around to go with the current I thought lets cruise. Well the current was not near what it had been two days before. I was expecting to do much better based on the current from Friday. Overall I was happy with this swim, I don't see how this could ever be wetsuit legal.

What a long walk from changing tents to the actual bike start. Felt good getting ready, not tired at all from the swim, just anxious to get on the bike.

I discovered lower chain ring too late and I did not drink enough. I remember that I needed to drink more on the bike going into this race but just didn't do it. I drank my perpetuem and that was good for the first half of the bottle but it got me bloated and I did not want to drink much for about 30 miles afterwards. I drank what I could but it was not feeling great down there. I loved the La Grange portion of the course, I had tears of joy riding through there then someone called my name and I was totally excited, I was able to push it harder after that. I was primarily on large chain ring for first 40 miles, and I thought, Oh my this is not working, so I switched for rest of course, and I paid for that stupid mistake from miles 40 to about 65 when my legs started feeling better. I had pains from pushing too much gear. That was a dumb mistake. I started feeling better in stomach and legs in the middle of second loop, but did not drink enough still. I did not realize this of course until the run. I feel I could have gone slightly faster and wish I did not forget to pack my PB&J sandwich on special needs. By mile 100 my feet hurt something awful, I was able to keep a high pace on the bike but my feet were burning, I thought I might have a blister. I loosened my shoes up for the last 10 miles and just hoped that the blisters were not bad. When I got to bike dismount, i just got my shoes off and walked in sock to the changing area, I had an extra pair with running shoes so did not mind.

Drink more, specifically mixing gatorade and water and making certain, i was empty on both bottles before next aid station.

First thing i checked were my feet, i had huge callouses on my feet nothing else. Thank god. I am getting new shoes for next season. When I got my running sneakers on it was heaven. I stopped between changing tent and run start to pose for pictures and was able to get updates on friends. Our friend from VA beach was there watching the race and cheering us on. it was awesome having her there. She was great motivation for me.

I decided that during this transition on my next Ironman I am going to drink a large Powerade Fruit punch. I love that stuff.

Ok, I went in hoping for under 5 hours. Well I knew after mile 2 I would have an issue. I had cramps on both legs. I knew right away I was severely dehydrated. I kept thinking, adapt and over come, adapt and over come. I started to walk and think over what will be the plan to overcome this. I said ok, you are going to have to drink water and some gatorade alot of each. From mile 2-5 I preceded to drink a 2 cups, with half gatorade and half water. I tried to run on mile 2-3 I said lets run at least 4 minutes next mile I did 5 and next I did 6 minutes. I said ok this is working but I still have some leg issues. I kept drinking though. It wasn't until about 12 I felt a little better, i was able to run between two of the aid stations with no leg pain. I was afraid to run harder, in retrospect I probably could have but i wanted to have fun in this race and did not want to risk a dnf. I kept up with runs to aid station and I would walk until i finished both drinks. Mile 18 was my turning point, I had to go to the bathroom, that was a good sign. I was able to run from stop to stop, as I got closer my speed increased. I actually skipped the last two stops, just grabbing a drink while running and continuing on. I learned a lot on this run.

I need to drink a lot more before the run. I know I can pull a sub 5 no problem as long as I drink plenty before.

I saw Katimomma at the finish, she had just finished right before me, it was great to see here. I could not believe I good I felt I was on cloud nine. I waited for my wife at the finish. At the last turn around she was 1 mile behind, about 15 minutes, well I was able to speed up on that last section so I must have increased the distance by another 1/2 mile, she ended up coming in about 30 minutes. It was great to see her finish.


Dehydration.


I was hoping for more food choices after race. Other then that the race was fabulous.