Ironman Coeur d'Alene - TriathlonFull Ironman

Scary as all get out the first 200-300 yards, this is my first ironman and the term I hear "washing machine" is an understatement. At the second buoy I got a little angry at the situation and decided I could be the dunker or the dunkee and figured that since I am around 200 lbs I could win the battle over these 150 lber's.... that worked and my swim improved......

Stay farther away from the buoy's to avoid the congestion.....

There is a lot to do in transition, run up the beach to have the ladies peel everything off, pick up stuff and grab T1 bag then run to the tent and change. It was very crowded when I got in there, I hope I wasnt the only one, but I stripped naked and put on bike shorts for the 112 miles. Also had to use the boys room. All in all there is definately room for improvement in time but I am happy with everything.

Nothing, maybe move a little faster.....

Here I definately could have pushed harder, but as this was my first Ironman I wanted to be sure I had enough for the run. Took 3 stops to pee, felt good with my hydration. Tried to pee on the bike...just couldnt talk him into it..... so I waited in line at the port o potties....

Push harder......

Kind of the same drill, a lot to coordinate, used the bathroom again. I kept moving forward, didnt rest, just did what I needed to do and headed out.

Nothing

Here was the only real problem of the day.... I felt good, but I had some GI issues. 7-times in the first 13 miles and 4 in the next 6 miles. However, after mile 13 I started taking in some solid food (pretzels and Chocolate Chip Cookies) I immediatly felt better... I ran the entire race, but walked through the aid stations and waiting in line for the "johns" killed my time. I was hoping to break 5 hours in the run for my first IM, and I know I can do that now. Felt very strong at the end and probably ran a 8:30 minute last mile.

Take in solid food earlier, put some in both the special needs bags.

Walked around with family and ate a couple pieces of pizza. Felt great, no problems at all. I overtrained for my goal but that is better than the alternative.


Nutrition without a doubt and no experience at this distance on how hard to push in each leg.


I could not have asked for anything more on my first IM!!! It was everything I expected and more.
My three pieces of advice going forward:
1. Keep moving forward (lots of people)
2. Take moments in each leg of the race to take in what you are doing and enjoy them for mental flashbacks later. (Coworker Ironman Matt Foresman)
3. When you get to the run, don't focus on 26.2 miles, focus on Aid Station to Aid Station. (Paula Newby Frazier)

**#3 was mentally great, at times I didnt even know what mile I was on, I just told myself now run to the next aid station***