Ironman 70.3 Florida - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I started wide and to the right to stay out of the way and allow myself to get into a rythm while not going overboard on the effort. I was wide for quite a while so I may have swam an additional 100 - 150 m over the entire course.
Started to move back towards the buoys about 150 m from the first turn. I stayed away from the fracas the buoy and made a smooth turn.

Start closer to the buoys. My swimming has improved nicely to the point that I can be more aggressive at the starts.

Transition was smooth and steady. Jumped on the bike and got into my shoes quickly.

Nothing. One of my best transitions

I felt really good on the bike. Even with the gusts and rain I was able to ride a good bike leg. This is a PB for me at this distance. All the training on the bike has paid off.
I was dismayed at the number of small peletons on the course...some of which were overheard to say "c'mon...we practiced this".
I may have beem able to go faster but calmed down from mile 30 - 45 to keep from going overboard.
The rain was hard at times and did make conditions slick. Riding out of Winter Garden was tight with the vehicle traffic.

I blew up on laps two and three. I came off the bike feeling good and started at an OK pace. I ran the first lap. Then the heat took its toll. I was unable to keep my body temp down when running so I had to walk the remainder. Disappointed as I was aiming for 2 hrs or better. And I was on pace for a PB.
I did not want to DNF so I slogged through. I was not the only one.

Not sure what I can do about heat, other than more time acclimatizing.

This is the second time that I did the race - first was 2007. There were a lot of changes, not all for the better.

1) The goody bag was misnamed - not goodies at all. In 2007 we received a sacbag and free socks.
2) I could not find the sun screen ladies - which is verified by my red shoulders.
3) Participants should be able to pay the one-day USAT fee when registering on-line. Paying at the race site was challenging to say the least.
4) The volunteers were good again. All were friendly and helpful.
5) Appreciated the number of police at intersections.
6) Like the bike course changes.
7) Plenty of buses.

The biggest change should come on the run course. It needs shade.

The other suggestion is to have offer a pasta dinner. For the price of entry there are not a lot of perks. I guess a lot of the money goes to Disney.

I do like the race and would do it again, but with all the other races being offered it may be a few years before we go back