Timberman - Half Iron - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Great swim. I felt zero anxiety looking out at that huge course. All the training swims at Walden really helped. I feel very confident in these swims now. I was actually a little disappointed at the lack of contact. I think the washing machine is a little fun. Only had a few instances where I'd have to fight through lines of people or some contact at the turns. There were so many waves it was very spread out and a very calm swim. I sighted very well. I was so close to the turn buoys that I actually reached out and slapped them for fun. I was able to draft a bit on the way out but people were either too slow or way too fast. There was once a guy that was the exact same speed for a about 100 yards so I dropped back to draft him and save energy. When I got back there it just seemed liked to much work to concentrate on keeping on his feet so I just moved out and concentrated on my stroke instead. Overall, awesome swim.

Just keep working on form.

I ran to the strippers pretty quickly and the suit came off great. Everything was going wonderful so far. But suddenly I felt strange and couldn't see very well. Was I dizzy from the swim? Nope, my contact fell out. So, I had to root around in my t-bag to find spare contacts. I put them in my bento box hoping that the contact was just folded and would fix itself.

Not lose a contact.

Hopped on the bike and hammered up the first hill and then back down on rt 11 feeling strong. I couldn't see at all though and kept trying to fix my contact. At about mile 4 I had to pull over and put a new contact in. That was a great feeling - to be able to see again! I felt strong the first 12 miles through the hills. Marsh Hill was steep and tough but I got up it with no problems. I saw the video camera and said a quick hello to the mrs watching at home. I knew I was going to get sub 3 when half way through the 106 section I was only at about 19 mph average. I knew the second half was a lot slower. My lower back, butt, and hammys were really tight around mile 30 which was strange. So, I picked up a bottle of gatorade at the turn around aid station. Made me a bit nauseous but that subsided after a while. I thought I needed the e-lytes and I was right. the next 16 miles on 106 were very tough on me. I slowed way down, felt it in my legs a lot, and just started feeling crappy.

Train more at harder levels at longer distances. I did a few 50+ rides but not at race pace. I think the hills and the level of effort caught up to me. I don't think the heat was a factor yet because I wasn't sweating like crazy. But, this time last year I averaged about the MPH at my first sprint race on a flat course. Bike training is getting better.

I don't know what took me so long. I got off the bike quick and ran to my rack. My legs were very stiff and it was a bit of a challenge change shoes but not worth over three minutes. Maybe it was the long run back through transition.

Nothing really. I wore no socks and my zoots went on quickly. The only thing is to get the quick release for my garmin. It did take a bit to get it off my bike.

Ouch. I started out feeling better than I expected on those tired legs. I was pulling low 8's and flying by people. But, right before the turnaround my left hammy cinched up on my and I had to limp over to the side of the road to keep from falling. I stretched it and tried running again. Cramp. Stretched and tried again. Cramp! I may have yelled a few choice words. I stretched and tried doing a really light jog. That worked. I could hold a 9:30-10 minute pace without the hammy acting up. So, that's what I had to do the whole way. I never walked once even up those hills where very many did walk but I just couldn't run. I did some math in my head to make sure I could finish in under 6 and just kept the 10 min miles going. I felt good cardio wise. Very comfortable. Very very hot and my legs felt pretty terrible but a slow jog was quite doable. Heaven has a little spot set aside for the dudes with Zamboni ice. that was absolutely the best. I filled up my hat with ice each time I passed them. On the return trip I'd have them throw me a snow ball for the novelty of it.

At the run turnaround I got to high five my family and friends before having to run right by the finish and do it all over again. It was really great having them there.

I guess I need to spend more time on the electrolytes. That run was HOT. Lots and lots of people cramping and walking. I saw one poor guy step on the side of the road and sprain his ankle really badly. I hope he was able to finish.

Warm down was basking in the glory of Chrissie giving me my finishers medal. Oh, and waiting for Cat to cross. Seeing her cross. Waiting for her in the coral. Not seeing her in the coral. Walking back into the chute and seeing her on the ground being attended to. I ran and got her some gatorade and a banana but by the time I got back they were walking her to the med tent. I grabbed her medal, towel, bottle, hat and brought them to her transition bag and then waited for her to come to. then went and cooled off in the lake while she was getting IV. We ate and then rode 7 miles home in the rain.


Heat and cramping. I was also not trained well enough on the bike. Definitely my weakest link though I've come a long way.

I am glad I was able to do the math and keep a pace on the run to finish in under 6 but the cramp and my bike fitness did not allow me to finish in under 5:30 like I had hoped. Next time for sure. A successful first HIM and a ton of fun.


Fantastic race at a fantastic venue with fantastic volunteers.