Ironman Arizona - TriathlonFull Ironman

Overall a good swim. Other than a crazy first few hundred yards, I was able to settle into a relaxed and comfortable pace. Although I found it hard to draft because of the sheer number of people grouped together.

Not much

I just took my time in the transitions. I wanted to make sure I had everything in place before heading out for the bike.

Maybe take in more fluids.

I much more difficult session than I anticipated. I got a nice lesson in the need for proper nutritional planning and execution. Due to my aweful nutrition strategy, my stomach shutdown around the 40 mile mark. I kept trying to force food and fluids, but it really didn't help the situation. I made the decision to stop for a long break to see if it would help. I think it was the right decision. It allowed my stomach enough time to absorb some nutrients and, what I believe, to actually finish the day. Overall, my legs felt good the entire session and I believe when I was actually biking I pushing an ideal pace. However I probably added between 60 and 90 minutes to my time due to stops at aid stations.

Look to add salt tablets or E-caps to my nutritional plan. Clearly food and fluids was not nearly enough to get the job done.

Again, just took my time.

Nothing

The run went pretty than expected. I decided to walk the first 1/4 to 1/2 mile just to get my legs underneath me. Once under way I adopted a strategy to run roughly 1/2 of the flats and all of the downhills, while walking all uphills. The strategy, plus making worth while stops at nearly every aid station, really helped me chug along through the run without any issues. Near the end, my legs really started tightening up but I was able to avoid any cramps.

Maybe more brick workouts so that I would feel more comfortable running long after a long bike.

I walked around for 30 minutes, including the walk back to the hotel, and a hot shower.


Nutritional planning and the weather.


A great time. I learned alot, both about training & planning, and about myself. Well worth the time and dedication.