Ford Ironman 70.3 California - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I'm happy with the swim overall since I did drop over 2 minutes from last years time. But not as fast as I wanted to. Was hopping for 27/low 28's for this swim course. Drafting sucked since I cleared path about 150yds into the swim, and then had no one to push/pull me on the swim. Really challanging to swim fast when you have no one to pull/push you. I was racing into the Challenged Athletes Foundation wave right after the pro womens. I did catch a bunch of them, and made my goal to swim through them though, but not fast enouhg.

Debate to start into the early wave and go with age groupers to push me a lot harder. I did notice overall I did have 20 people who overall swam faster than I did. Next year analogy!!

Not the best transition of all. My stuff was scattered a little around as the transition was very crowded for the CAF people. Cleaned feet for socks, then compression guard, took a while to get those on with wet legs, then bike shoes, helmet, sunglasses. Just too many things to work with, need to be more efficient. Not my best transition, but took my time here.

Need to check my transition just before I head into the water to make sure all is there. Also check with manufacturer if calf compression socks can be worn during the swim, and have everything better layed out. Should of known better, I am not a newbie now.

Bike section overall, I'm happy since I broke 3hrs. That was my goal, an achieved. With cutting my cycling by over 60% to concentrate on my run, I'm very happy. Felt good on the way up the coast. Stopped for the bathroom as i had to pi real bad, then felt much better. Hydrated OK on the course. On that first hill, now I do remember it being the worste of all of the three. I had to zigzag a little at some point, but made it through, and felt good, OK , sore but good overall. Made it to top, regained composure and worked on the speed again. Second hill was much easier than I though it would be, and really happy with it. Those three session I did in Red Rock, NV must of helped build my confidence. Third hill was longer, but not as steep. Which is what makes the last two hills so wonderfull, they are easier than the first one. Then we were on the home stretch for the last 10+ miles. Off course, all rolling hills, but not that bad overall. Had a great time today on this course.

Train more hills, and increase my mileage. Did well for cutting back as much as i did on cycling. Longest distance before that was I think 1 ride barelly over 50 miles. Otherwise, mostly short. So continue increasing that distance.

Smooth arrival into the transition. Real nice de-mount of the bike while rolling. Than walked/run with bike. Could of been batter. Since running gear was re-organized from T1, was able to switch socks to the thicker ones because of the sand section. Did not want that to rubb.

Continue praticing this transition, and run more next to my bike.

Took off pretty good on the run. Started great on the first 3 miles. Ignored the pain in the sand. Good first quarter and great pace. Then stomach got upset , tighs got cramps, and went to bathroom. Felt better. Got back and ran walked most of the rest of the half marathon.
OK, i did improve over 15 min from last year, but with all the running I did this year, I am very disapointed in my running time. It has set me back to what did I do wrong. I know not monitoring my HR was throwing me off my game, but I really let that get to me today. Really not happy of how it destroyed my run.
I mean, I ran 80 miles in March, and then this!!! This is real crap I think.

Enough said, back on the training wagon, and get re-focussed for the rest of the year. I will take vengeance on the run course, and will have a much better run at Eagleman.

Confused!!! I guess continue running more and increase mileage. Have friends throw me more off my wagon to learn to stay focus and perform very well under things that come toward me. Need to find cash and work closer with just a running coach for both technique and mental training on the run.

Went to tent, ate lots of food, and food and drinks. Stretched for a while, and walked around. AFter relaxing a while, long walk to pier with wife and bike. Great time there also. She really knows how to turn things around, and keep me on the positive mental game. Great cheerleader, and she did an awesome job out there on the course cheering me.


The run portion of this race again. I expected a much faster run with all the training I've done. This really sucks, but will take vangeance on the run next time. Do more running 5 and 10K's maybe some Half Marathons also. Need to talk with a running coach.


Good race overall. Happy with climbing ability this time and need to continue training in the hills. Great weather, probably a little warmer than advertised, or just a stronger sun. Would do it again in a heart beat.