Ironman Louisville - TriathlonFull Ironman

Having never done an Ironman and only doing two HIM as my first tri's as practice for IMLOU. The swim went well I performed as expected I had a goal of 1:15-1:20 for the swim and came out with a 1:17:24. A year ago I could not even swim 50 meters in the pool without stopping.

Got in and got out as fast as I could.

I forgot to put a towel in my swim to bike bag. Wet feet and socks do not mix.

The bike went exactly as I expected. I had a goal of 6:00 hours which I missed by 15:59 but given the hills that came at me all day and the heat I was pleased with my bike split. I felt the heat affected me more than the hills. I hydrated well. I had to pee three times on the bike.

On the bike I consumed 12 power bar gels and 1 bottle of gatorade an hour plus water to wash down the gels.

Got in and got out.

I forgot to put a towel in my bike to run bag. So I had dry my feet with my dirty bike shorts after I changed in fresh running clothes.

Boy was the run something. I was ok for the first 4 mile than the wheels fell of the bus. I just told myself to keep moving. I saw my wife and 2 year old at the turn for 2nd loop and had an an emotional moment. It really helped during the 2nd loop. I would have to say the marathon was the hardest part of the day. I have run quite a few marathons and this was the hardest. I thought I could hammer out a 3:20-3:45 marathon. Boy was I wrong.

I enjoyed my first Ironman even more than Boston Marathon which I have done twice. It is truly an event. I'm not sure when I will do one again. Maybe next year? If I can get into IM Wisconsin next week online I might try it again. I know I will do two HIM's next summer here in Minnesota where I live they were great tune up races for IMLOU. The cost to do an Ironman is huge. The travel, entry fee, time commitment. In all I will call my first Ironman a success.