Patriot Half Iron - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I thought I had a really strong swim, until I saw my time . . . it seem a lot slower than last year, although I have been swimming a lot faster. My consolation is that I looked at last year's results and it seems that everyone swam the course a lot faster that year (the leaders had about 5-10 minute difference)--so I'm hoping they mis-buoyed it this year . . .

Not my best transition. I decide to put my bike tools in my back pocket--which is easy in a dry tri tank, not as easy when it's wet. I then put my Garmin on, although this is pointless, as I forgot to turn it on. On my way out, a bottle flys off my bike (already??)--I probably would have left it, but spectators shouted after me. I had to put my bike down and go back and get it.

Not be a spaz.

I JUST had the bottle cages on my bike fixed. Alas, by mile 5, both were gone. And I only had one sip by this point. I heard the second go out--but made a poor decision-- I didn't go back for it. I only realized a little later that I had no water until mile 17. Ug. At least I got a few more then--and when one dropped out at mile 25, I stopped for it.

And the chain ring jumped only once--which isn't great, but an improvement. I think I know what I did when it happened, so at this point, I think I can avoid it.

It had rained in the morning, so I took it easy on the first half as the roads were wet. Felt good throughout.

Actually have my Garmin ready to be turned on.

I didn't think I moved that quickly, but this went fine.

I really didn't feel like running when I got off the bike.

Oddly, my feet were incredibly numb. At mile five I almost stopped, cause' it felt incredibly strange and possibly unhealthy to be running on such numbed up feet. But also at that time, my run legs finally kicked in and I was able to pick up the pace. So I ignored the feet. They came back to life near the end, but even as I write this one week later, one still isn't quite back to normal.

I'm happy with my time, especially as I felt as I was hanging out a little too long at each snack table/mile marker. And, the asthma didn't kick in--probably because of the humidity.

Not take so long getting snacks and those electrolyte pills from the volunteers.

A little stretching and hitting the post race feast, which was cut a bit short by the rain.


Overall, a very well-run race. Thanks!