Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Swim was interesting to say the least. The conditions were the worst I have ever seen for an open water swim. I have a fairly strong surfing background so the water was nothing that I have not seen before...racing in them was a different story. There were a lot of people having issues, few holding on to bouys, backstroke, etc...

The goal was to go out easy and relax through the first 200 yards until the chop laid down. No problems and it turned out to be a very manageable swim. 4+ minutes faster than last year. Good deal...

Nothing. Equipment worked perfectly. Very happy with the improvement.

One minute faster than last year. Put a jersey on over my one piece tri suit. First running mount in a HIM. No problems and was on the way without difficulty.

Forget my modesty jersey and become one with the fact that I am not skinny!

Great overall ride. Minor bike problems with gear slippage, thought that problem had been solved...LBS fixed the next day. 14 minute PR over last year. Hills are still a major problem and that is because of my weight. Could forsee dropping an extra 20 minutes with significant weight loss (25 lbs or so).

First 20 was very quick and managed to maintain speed for 57 minutes or so. Hills of Rt 102 were done at a relaxed pace as to not blow out the legs...no suicide missons here. Managed to keep high speeds down the hills to minimize the damage going up. Next 20 miles were done at a decent race pace. Hit 47 mph down hill at Big River...nice. Scituate Ave hill was, again, done gently...big help as I was able to power on with no difficulty for the rest of the course.

Riding through Providence was...well...Providence. It definately helps to know the area and I was able to pass a lot of people in the last 6 miles. Hill at Park St. sucked (mile 56). Flying dismount and a run into T2 went perfect. Very happy with the ride. Missed my goal by 56 seconds...oh well.

I could have hit my goal if I worked harder in the hills...at what price? So I really dont think I could have done anything different.

No picnics here. In and out...

Nothing

The goal here was just to keep the wheels on the bus. My weight is still a major factor with heat dispersal so all I wanted to do was keep the HR under control and not blow up like last year. By the time we got off the bike the sun was out and the heat was into the low 80s.

First miles were OK...walked College Hill both times. Otherwise I kept a 10:30 pace in the flats and a 9:30 pace down the hills. Overall pace was dropped by a few walking spells at the aid stations. Stuffing the icey sponges into my visor and on my HR strap (ala Macca) was DEFINATELY the way to go. I also held some ice in my hands. Also helped a lot. I ditched the modesty jersey in a tree at mile 1 and picked it up on the way to the finish line. Funny to see that it was still there! Finished strong and with a smile.



Nothing.

Walked around and waited for Dad and wifey to come in...they did and smoked both of their goals by almost an hour each!


Weight. Still 228 lbs...this does not make a fast long course athlete.


This was my second year doing this race. Very happy with how things went and am thrilled at a 45 minute PR over my 2008 race.

Check in on Friday and taking your bike with you on Sunday is the way to go with this race. Saves you a lot of BS. We will be back next year!