MightyMan Montauk - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Was nervous about the cold as outside temp was below 50 degrees. Water was chilly but didn't bother me one bit once we got going. Little contact at beginning and a guy swam right into me 1/3 way in. Other than that there was little contact and it was a nice fresh water swim. As usual I went out too fast and reverted to breathing every other stroke. Calmed down and soon reverted to normal breathing pattern which I maintained the whole way. Couldn't find anyone to draft but course was well marked and navigation was not a problem.

Nothing

Shivering a little since now it was starting to rain. Opted for the long sleeve shirt which was a good idea. Next year I will work on this -- for now I did the full socks routine so this was pretty slow.

Maybe introduce the no-socks approach and leave the shoes clipped in.

Went out pretty hard on first loop and really felt good. In the zone, on the bars and feeling strong. After the turn there is a large hill heading out of town which was a non-issue at the start but much more difficult now. Still felt pretty good for 1st half of second loop other than persistent low-back pain which is something I struggle with. I ate (Fig Newtons and Cliff Shots) and drank my Gatorade as planned. Towards the second half of the second loop I tried to keep up the pace but in an easoer gear to save my legs for the run.

Not much --- There was driving rain through most of the bike and I had only ridden 50 miles one time before this race so I couldn't expect much more. Next year I need to do more work on the bike with longer rides and short high intensity workouts to build my legs.

Off bike quickly and into running shoes. Off with long sleeve shirt and on with shorts. Only issue was my feet were numb. Not sure if it was cold and or extended bike but I had markedly decreased sensation. I decided to just run on the theory that the feeling would gradually return (which it did) but that was a very strange semsation.

Nothing

This is my biggest frustration. I did okay on the first lap but had to walk at points on the second. My legs were heavy and that was more of the problem than my wind. At any rate, I thought I had made significant improvement in my running but clearly have much more to do.

More focused run training.

Wife and two of my three kids were there at the end. Ran through finish with my two boys which was fun. Then off with them for pizza.


Poor run


My first HIM and I finished so it's all good. I have done many other races run by this organized (Event Power) and I think they do a great job. My only suggestion is some food (cookies, bananas, etc.) on the course. During the second lap I was starving!