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 Swim
Comments: This is the part that I worried about the most and in the end did not need to. The swim was fantastic. Had spent the previous 30 minutes running around looking for the timing strap, so I didn't have time to get worried or nervous about the start. Started the swim toward the middle back. Wasn't ready for the gun (lost track of time). Spent the first 200 meters trying to get through the crowd to an open spot. Ended up swimming to the right side away from the bouyes to get some open water. This was good and bad. Had open water but swam further. First lap was over before I knew it. Hit the beach with the first male pro's. Was kind-of cool to see them exiting the water. Second lap was same as the first. Had a hard time sighting and ended up out too far away from the bouyes. Funny thing through the swim, it was a very calm environment. Everyone was polite and friendly. Also, didn't know till later that I exited the first and the second loop with MRMAM. Had the same finish time for the swim. What would you do differently?: Get placed better at the start, swim closer to the bouyes.  Transition 1
Comments: Did the full change out of swimming into bike clothes. Went for the comfort. Didn't have a hard time finding a spot. There were a few women in the mens tent and for one of the first times in my life I did not pay attention to a naked women. Got some suntan lotion and off we went. What would you do differently?: Move alittle quicker. Didn't run through transition, just walked fast.  Bike
Comments: Besides a flat tire at 72, was a great ride. Road is rough in spots and that is what caused my tire to blow out. There were quite a few along that stretch with me changing tires. Legs were a little sluggish first 20 miles from the swim. Turned west and started to feel better except for the head wind. Someone had told me to be conservative on the first 50 and I did for the most part. I think I was a little to conservative though. Probably could have pushed it some more. It set my pace for the rest of the ride and I had a hard time getting out of it. Once we got to 50 and headed south again I was able to pick it up until I blew a tire at 72. This was my first real experience changing a tire on the go. Kept myself calm and just changed it. Took about 6-7 minutes and off I went again. Only problem was that was my only spare I brought along. Was pretty worried the rest of the ride that I would get another flat. Tried to ride carefully and watch the road so not to pop another one. Finished the ride feeling good. What would you do differently?: Not be as conservative on the bike. I lost 10 minutes on the bike with a flat, stopping at special needs and hitting the porta-pottie (couldn't get myself to pee while riding). Transition 2
Comments: Happy with the transition. Pleny of room in the tent. Got changed and off I went. What would you do differently?: Nothing but maybe move faster. I had taken my bike shoes off about half way through the transition area. This helped get me there a little quicker.  Run
Comments: This was my slowest marathon ever, but it never felt like it. I purposefully did not wear a watch on the course, that way I could just run the way my body felt. Headed out of transition and felt ok. Legs were definetly tired and heavy. I hoped they would feel better than that, but that was what I was dealt. Found my family around the 1 mile mark. Was good to see everyone and that got me going for a while. I ran about 23 miles of the race, but it was slow. Finish was everything you could imagine. You could here them announcing the names for a good 3 miles away. Helped keep everyone moving. Coming into the finish, everyone was spreading out to have there few seconds of the excitement. It is a great thing though to hear your name yelded, the people chearing just for you. All the hard work in training payed off. What would you do differently?: Do more brick in training. I think this equated to my sluggish legs after the ride. Post race
Warm down: Walked around, found family and friends. Event comments: The volunteers in Florida were fantastic. Everyone was very supportive and were there to help. Last updated: 2008-11-06 12:00 AM
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United States
Ironman North America
Sunny
Overall Rank = 1620/
Age Group = 35-39
Age Group Rank = 271/351
Was up at 4 AM, grabbed a quick shower to wake the senses up. Slept remarkably well through the night. Was worried that I would just lay there awake all night. Ate a banana, bagel with PB&J and a couple chocolate chip cookies for good measure. Made up a couple extra PB&Js for in special needs bags. Met up with MRMAM and GEEKBALL2 at 5am and started the short walk to the transistion area. Got marked, dropped off bags and got in line for the porta-johns. Why do they not have more at these events. I had read that the numbers were few and they were right. Had to wait a good while to get into one. This is probably one of the few complaints of the event. After that, found a spot near the transition area to get into the wetsuit. While I was putting it on, the timing chip strap broke. This made the next 30 minutes until race go fast. Had a hard time finding a replacement. Did not get one until 5 minutes before start. Found it as you enter the swim start corral. Ran up and gave the wife and kids a quick hug and off to the corral. I think this helped keep my mind busy instead of freaking out about the swim. Met up with Monty, Curt, and Toby before the race. Gave a quick prayer and next thing it was time to go.
Ran around looking for a new timing chip strap.