Ironman USA Lake Placid - TriathlonFull Ironman

Wow, I had been nervous about the single wave start prospect. I personally didn't find it too bad. In the race packet they suggested that people kind of segregate themselves by time, less than one hour up front, 1:30 or less next then everyone else. I believe many did this which seemed to help. It really wasn't a big deal. I got kicked once square in the eye and twice had people actually grab and pull a leg which really screws you up. It's kinda like when the girl running from the psychotic madman with a huge knife trips and falls you just know you're gonna get it! When that happened I regained my composure and swam as fast as I could to get up to speed asap.

Not much. I'm not really much of a swimmer. Perhaps working more on my speed would have helped but not too much as it is a lot of work to get past slower traffic..

This was a wholely different transition than I have ever been involved in. You finish the swim and have to rune on Brady Bunch lawn for about 300 yards to transition, get your bag and go into a tent to change. I really hadn't thought about my priorities and how to do this properly ahead of time so it took a little longer than it should have.

Better planning.

Pretty good course. Definately plan for a long day in the saddle. Use the anti chafing products anywhere you will rub, Crotch, neck, arm pits and nipples (mine are still raw)
I was hoping to make 17 mph which I did. Had I not faded so bad the second lap I would have been up around 18 mph I suspect.
It is awe inspiring when you come into the town of Lake Placid. Geez there were thousands of people screaming and cheering. Something like being in the Tour de France.

Train for longer distances as the event nears and better secure my bottles. I launched both right out of transition. Stopped to get them later lost them again but I wasn't aware until I finished. They were there until when I emptied them at least. I had just spoke to Andy S. about this the other day. I will now be putting the retaining rings back on the bottle holders as they are sold. they seemed too tight so I took them off. DUUH! thats why they put them there...

Again a totally different transition than i've ever had. Almost as soon as you get off the bike someone is there taking it. You then run about 100 yards to the rack where your transition bags are hung and then back to the transition tent to change. Then you run out to the run course. What a shock to the senses...You exit the mens tent and about 20 feet away are thousands more adoring fans. (Kinda like Lidnsay Lohan except I wasn't drunk or High)

Again get more organized for this type of transition.

Oh man what a crappy run. Nobodys fault but my own. Didn't do enough bricks after long rides and my legs let me know in a very slow way.

Much better preparation.

None really. tried to stretch a bit but man was I tight!


Bike distance conditioning and Bike to run training.


What a kick ass experience! Next year I'll be better prepared but still I had an outstanding time. The course is beautiful, the town and it's people were great. There were volunteers everywhere. Aid stations were well stocked with people and stuff. On the run it seemed like aid stations were about every 1/2 mile. it was great.
I can't say enough. It was outstanding!
Next year will be even more fun since 4 of my tri buddies and I are registered for next year!