Soma Half Iron Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

The swim start was a bit of a cluster. They didn't let our wave into the water with enough time to even make it to the start line, much less with enough time to pee myself, get my watch set, etc. I tried to pee while swimming but I've never been much of a multi-tasker. Other that that the swim went fine. I veered way off course to the north because by goggles were completely fogged and the sun was in my eyes, had to make a hard right to make it over to the southern turn-around buoy.

I think I could push harder on the swim, I wasn't really tired. Also need to remember the anti-fog stuff for my goggles.

I learned my lesson and looked for the largest wetsuit stripper team I could find. Those guys ripped my suit off instantly. Put on my stylish white kit, applied extra sunscreen and headed out.

I will learn to start with my shoes already on the bike.

I was happy with the course, courtesy of the pointy hats and general stay-rightedness of the mountain-bike newbies. I did this race last year and I think having the 1/2 first helped with congestion. Also the slight course change didn't seem like a big deal. All in all I had low expectations for the course and it exceeded my expectations.

My main goal for the ride was to practice and experiment with nutrition. I drank only water(3 bottles) and ate only power gels (3). I think I will stick with this strategy for IMAZ mixing in a few endurolytes as the heat and my stomach dictate. I really worked on my bike peeing skills which still suck. I was able to work out one weak stream on the downhill before the 2nd aid station, but I've still got some major stage fright issues to work through.

Pulled my feet out of the shoes while still riding. I didn't do a flying dismount, but still this saved a few seconds and I'm happy with that. My feet are still to weak to not wear socks, so I put those on and completed my sun-fearing outfit with the foreign legion hat.

Learn the flying dismount and toughen my feet so I don't need socks.

I was very happy with this run. I felt good right out of T2, my legs weren't heavy like usual. The advantage to being a better at running than I am at biking or swimming is that I pass a lot of people on the run which helps keep the motivation going. Came across quite a few BTers on the run which was really cool having people you know to share a quick word of encouragement.

I took 3 advil at the first aid station. Took gatorade and water at every aid station until the last 4 miles when I switched to Coke and water at all but the last aid station.

I hit the slip and slide as hard and fast as I could. I only made it about 1/2 way, then had to crawl the rest of the way. Won't be doing that again, but it was fun to do once.

Nothing

None


Lack of training and I should have pushed harder on the swim.


This race was a 50 minute improvement over my time last year and a PR at this distance by 40 minutes. Needless to say I'm very happy with my improvement.