South Carolina Half - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

As is consistent with all of my previous races, I swam like someone who has never seen any body of water before. I must get a coach asap. Terrible form, dragging legs, poor breathing, the usual. Otherwise, like this site. Nice setting, smooth (although dark water), short distance to transition.

When I jumped in, the neglecting to swim a bit before caught up with me. I had that clutching, panicky feeling and had to backstroke a few strokes to calm my HR. Took me a few minutes to get back to my normal, if crappy, form.

Get a swim coach.

Stopped and hit the portajohn before cycling, which added a bit to the transition time. Having passed people putting on their shoes while I am pedaling, and knowing I would wipe out if I tried, I generally just put on my cleats and start that way.

Nothing really. Could have saved a bit of time, but at this distance I prefer to calm down and let my HR come down rather than really charge through transition.

Very nice ride, enjoyed the scenery. Nothing really steep, but no flat spots on this course. For us flatlanders from eastern NC, quite a challenge, but I took it a bit slower than I would have on a flat course. Quads definitely felt those hills on the run, however.

Nothing

Went fine, again took my time and jogged slowly out of the transition area.

Nothing

First four miles I ran from station to station and walked through while dumping ice water into my hat and making sure to drink water and gatorade. Then five miles of walking a bit between running, followed by 2.5 miles of gawd awful cramping in my right calf which lead to me walking and a painful shuffle when I could. Then, once I turned back down into the park, things loosened up enough for me to run the last bit, just finishing the race under my 6:30 goal.

Don't know. Clearly the hills and fatigue contributed to the cramps. Train more.

Hung out with Tonya and Rich and cheered Brent and Missy when they finished. Chowed down a burger and some chicken, packed up and drove back 350 miles to Greenville.


Conditioning, strength on the bike, and my totally incompetent swimming.


setup events always does a nice job. Liked the course a lot, volunteers did great. Race started 12 minutes late, but overall a great time. Probably will do again at some point despite the long drive to get there.