Ironman Florida - TriathlonFull Ironman

I had originally thought I would wait approximately a minute after the start to avoid the washing machine, but found myself following the back of the pack into the water right after the cannon. We practically walked to the first buoy because of the sand bar, but once I got swimming, it wasn't that bad. I think I am lucky in that I really don't mind all of the people around me while swimming. I only had one kick to the face and a few other times where I felt boxed in and stopped just to clear myself of the "herd." Otherwise, I could feel the 2,000 other swimmers just pulling me along. My calves were somewhat crabby (probably because the water was chilly), but with the wetsuit, I didn't need to kick at all, and I could flex my feet and even my legs as needed to keep them "happy."

When I came out for the first lap, I was at first disappointed because the clock said 53 minutes, but then, I looked at my watch and realized that included the pro's 10 minute head starts, so was immediately very pleased. The second lap took almost exactly the same amount of time, even though it felt faster, and I knew the day had started with a bang.

Maybe be a little more aggressive and work for a faster swim. But, all in all, I was thrilled that I came in on the low end of my expected time.

I love wetsuit strippers! That was fun. Lots of naked people in the change tent. I just pulled on arm warmers, my helmet, socks, and shoes. My volunteer put my race belt on. The volunteers are fabulous...and it was crazy when I was in there. Then I got lubed up real good with sunscreen.

Nothing. This was much faster than I thought it would be given the trek from the beach, the change tent, and then my bike was on the other side of transition near the exit.

Okay. 112 miles. That's a long freakin' way. The farthest I had gone in training was 105, but I really didn't worry. I knew I could do it. My plan was to split the ride up into the first 50 miles to special needs and then a stop around 80 miles before trying to stay upright for the final stretch. I ended up with one additional quick stop to refill my water bottles, but otherwise, all went to plan.

It was pretty chilly for me at first. My new bright yellow arm warmers helped, but it took me a while to warm up. I have to say, though, we had a beautiful day. I don't think it could have been better.

The first 50 miles was almost entirely in a headwind. I suspect it wasn't much more than 8-10 mph, but it was enough to slow me down by a couple of miles per hour and bring my average down a bit lower than I wanted. However, I knew that at some point, we would be turned around and benefit from a tailwind. So, I didn't fret and tried to stay relaxed and comfortable.

I stopped at special needs, took a porta potty break, ate my uncrustable, dranks some soda, and chatted with one of the women pro's who was cutting her race short. Then, I was on my way again and into the blessed tailwind. From that point on, it was in and out of the wind, so I was able to get back some of the speed I had lost at the beginning.

At a turnaround at mile 73, I missed, ran over the cone and off the road. Klutz. A very nice volunteer took my bike, I ran over the mat, got back on, and he gave me a great push.

I started to tire around mile 80, and my left foot was bothering me. I also was a little more hungry than I anticipated, so I kept munching on gels and Clif Shots (just not the Endurox for fear the protein would be hard on my stomach when I started to run). Once we turned onto Highway 79 and headed back for the beach, the wind was at my back, and I started to perk up.

Shortly after mile marker 100, I passed my last person, and, surprisingly, cruised to the finish all by myself. Hopped off the bike, offered to sell it to the volunteer who took it, grabbed my transition bag and headed for the change tent.



I think I rode this smart. Possibly I could have pushed harder, but I am not sure I would have been able to run as well in that case, so it was probably an even trade.

It's so very nice to have someone else rack your bike for you. Then, my great volunteer in the change tent set everything out, and I was off. When I saw this transition time, I was pretty surprised. It felt like I took a lot longer.

Maybe grab my Endurolytes off the bike, but it didn't seem to be a factor on the run.

Wow! Where did that come from? I got on to the run course, started running, and felt great. Strong. I was running smoothly and comfortably and easily managed to go from aid station to aid station. I was almost euphoric in how I felt. I knew I was on track for the 14:00 finish, if not a bit faster Then, I couldn't believe that I got through the first half in about 2:17...faster than I have run any of my half ironman distance races. I was a little scared, but told myself to just keep it up as long as I could. Now, it was starting to look like I could easily finish under 14:00. I just relaxed, breathed, and ran.

When I reached the 20-mile mark, it began to dawn on me that I might actually finish around 13:30. Way better than I had anticipated. I was still feeling fairly good. My quads were screaming at me, but I could still run. Mile 24 was the only time I felt as if I needed an extra walk break, but when I hit mile 25 and all the spectators on the course and Mike Reilly's voice was booming, I was totally elated.

I turned onto Thomas Drive and was grinning like a goof. Everyone was calling my name, cheering me on...it was unbelievable. Then, I was in the chute, Mike Reilly was telling everyone I was an Ironman, and I was yelling my head off as I ran through the tape.

Wow. Just wow.

Not. a. thing.

Walking around...which hurt like hell.


I am not sure I could have gone faster.


I couldn't have had a better race. NA Sports puts on a class event, and I love Panama City Beach...it's so beautiful. I was treated like I was special by every single volunteer. They were absolutely awesome.