High Cliff 1/2 Iron Man - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Bad Swim. I love swimming in waves and have never had a problem- ever.
The water was literally pea soup with 4-6 inch visibility.

I started to swim and between the lack of visibility and the swells I quickly became nauseated. When my head was underwater it was like someone blindfolded me and put me on a carnival ride. Second attempt at front crawl resulted in sudden onset puking. Since the water was so green, I don't think the following waves noticed :)
Ended up breast stroking most of the swim just to keep the head out of the water so I would not continue to lose my AM nutrition.

Not puke. I have no idea how to prevent this in the future. I'll have to do more research.

Not to bad. Started to put socks on before starting the garmin. I looked funny standing up with one sock to start up the garmin.

Started the ride in a crappy mood due to the swim. Took much effort to get my head back in the race.

Nailed my nutrition two weeks in a row, which felt great. Took 3 bottles of Perp and one Gateraid on the bike. Stopped at three construction portapotties to pee (hey- race like you train). Actually tried to pee on the bike but couldn't.

Course was fairly flat but really windy. Wind took it's toll later in the ride. Finished the bike feeling OK

Not let a crappy swim gewt into my head and play with my mind.

in and out- felt good to get off the bike.

Started running and ran/walked the big hill. Once at the top started running an felt great off the bike. Ran the first 7 miles and was having a great run, felt awesome and was having fun.

Then the wheels came off the bus. Started to hurt, cramp and feel like crap. Slowed way down and then started adding walk breaks.
I think I took too few fluids and fuel on the run.
Hit the top of the hill and realized I could break 6:30 if I pushed it hard down the hill. Finished in 6:29 :)

more hydration and gels at the 30 minute mark

Grabbed food and found Amy- see her race report for more details


Great park, great location (except the water).

Very disappointed in this race and will not be doing it again. Normally I'm very impressed with MidwestSportsEvernts but not any more:

1. Transitioin fence was torn down before I finished. Anyone could have walked off with bikes, wetsuits...ect. there is NO EXCUSE for this.

2. No mile markers on the bike or run. I had a garmin, but most did not.

3. Med tent and organisers could not give me directions to the nearest emergency room. Again, no excuse.

4. Aid stations were clumped together. Many on the first part of the loop and none at the end. The volunteers at the aid stations were awesome, but the locations sucked.

5. Lake Winnabego was like pea soup. I'm not sure that any lake is clean this year, but this was terrible.

Having done a branded 70.3 the week before, I'll pay an extra $50 to have a better run race. My local half next year will be SOR.