Cancun Ironman 70.3 - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I REALLY enjoy swimming in the ocean (or at least the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean). The water war a lot rougher than I expected, and there were several times I would get a mouthful of water, but it was really cool overall

There was a very long run from the beach to T1, through the water park.

About 30 minutes into the ride, I reached for my salt tablets, which were in a ziplock in a pocket in my jersey, and they were gone. My nutrition plan was shot.

Kept my power about where we had planned, but had to increase a few times to get around the pelotons. Legs felt great going int T2

Keep a separate stash of salt tabs in transition

Holy crap it was hot!!! The temperature during the run was 89.6, and the heat index was 98. I got off the bike feeling great, and had to slow down to what felt like a crawl to get my average pace to 9:45 to 10:00 minute miles, which I hoped to maintain for the first loop, and speed up a bit after that. I alos planned on walking every other aid station. This was fine for the first 3 miles, but then the heat and lack of sodium really started kicking my ass. I knew I had to supplement the GU's with some more sodium, so I drank gatorade at every other aid station, and also ate some pieces of banana. My stomach was not used to the extra sugar and solid food, and I got some minor side stitches.

I wound up walking EVERY aid station, and my overall pace began to slow. I had to dig deeper than I ever had before just to run between the aid stations, and was able to maintain a sub 10:00 pace, but the aid station walks seemed to get longer and slower.

The good news is that even doing this, I was passing lots of people, many of whom looked faster and fitter than me.

No idea, it was just effing hot. Maybe I could move back to Houston and train through the summer? Nah.

cooled down under the shower heads at the finish and had a couple slices of pizza and hooked up with the family. Stretched a bit, and went back to the resort for margaritas.


Not living in the tropics


Great volunteers, and a very well organized race.