Ironman China - TriathlonFull Ironman

Hardest swim of my life. Not a terrible swimmer, just completely played the current wrong. Literally did not think I would finish, but promised myself I would stay in the water for the whole 2 hours and 20 minutes so that I could say that I did my best in trying to finish.

Definitely would have practiced the course more on the day before the race. The reason I did not do so was because there was a thunder and lightning storm when I was out in the water, and because I thought swimming in the river at that time to be very dangerous, I got out before hitting the really strong part of the current. As a result, I was not aware of the intensity of the current at its strongest points, and totally misjudged how to swim the course.

Got many cuts from the swim because there were lots of sharp rocks near shore, so my transition was very slow because I had to go to the medical tent.

Would rather not have had to deal with the cuts but what can you do.

SO INCREDIBLY HOT. Reports say it hit a high of 113 degrees F. Thus, since I have never experienced that kind of heat, I knew that it was a race of survival and had to throw any pace goals out the window. Had to stop at most aid stations to take a break and sit in the shade because my heart rate was so high and I was worried about incurring serious medical problems.

Applied more sunscreen, although I applied a lot in the first place. Would have invested in a cool, long-sleeve outfit it I had known how hot it was going to be, because I got really bad 2nd degree burns all over my back, legs, and arms.

Not entirely sure why it took me so long in transition, but I know I ultimately lost my shoes and helmet so I must have been redirected somewhere which caused my bike to run bag to get lost. Maybe medical tent again? Bad transition.

In so much pain from burns and cuts from the swim were pretty painful after a while too (under the arch of my foot and on some of my toes). Just hoping to finish, wasn't sure if I would be able to, because my body was being extremely stubborn.

Nothing - I tried my best on the run.

My warm down consisted of going to the medical tent, getting advised about how to treat my burns, briefly icing, then taking the bus to the hotel to pack my bike (at 2:30am) and then waking up an hour and a half later so that I could prepare for my early plane flight in the morning.


THE HEAT!!! Oh my goodness...


Mental and Physical efforts were categorized as "best" because I put the most energy possibly into both of the efforts. I think it was a good race because while nearly 30% of the athletes did not finish, I was able to pace myself in a very precarious situation and make it to the finish line, despite only having 25 minutes to spare, and thus also qualifying for Kona.