Ironman Arizona - TriathlonFull Ironman

The swim start was the most exciting moment in my short triathlon career. All 2200 people treading water, listening to the music and Mike Reilley. I was so pumped, smiling and just stoked to be there. The canon went off and the madness started. I got kicked and hit a lot, but nothing painful. It was actually more mellow than I expected. Things tightened up at the turn around. After that I had a mostly clear swim until the final turn to the exit. I felt good the entire swim. I kept a nice easy pace, never pushed hard. I was happy with my slow time, which was a strong reflection on my lack of swim training for the last few months.

Swim more in training. Start Master's!

Their was a fairly long run to the change tent, and a ton of people inside. Everything went smooth. I suppose that's life when you let 1500 people beat you out of the water!!

Nothing

The bike was executed just as I planned. The first lap was quite crowded for me. Lots of passing on the first segment. I had to be careful not to burn up calories by hammering to pass people. I rode at what I knew was a comfortable all-day pace. Kept my heart rate around 140ish. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Their was a minor head wind and some up-hill on the way out, which meant tail wind and high speed returns. The only issue was that I stopped to pee 3 times during the bike. I refused to pee myself and actually enjoyed the slight breathers.

Train more, pee less.

T2 was much easier since the tent was less crowded. Took some time to put on socks and tie my shoes fast, but I thought it would pay off during the marathon.

Speed laces maybe.

The run felt amazing...for about 5 miles. I was stoked to be on the final leg of the race, and off the bike. I felt great. My nutrition went well on the bike and I continued it on the run. I took water and Gatorade at most aid stations, GU's every 2 or 3. Then some cookies and fruit towards the end. The run was fairly painful after the first 5 or 6 miles, but I kept running. Only walked through the aid stations. Pacing was fairly consistent, until I had a mile left, then I pushed as hard as I could. Passed a lot of people.

Not much.

Hugged my daughter, then walked over and got water and pizza.


Lack of training.


The race was absolutely amazing. Everything I was hoping and much more. I signed up for '09 and can't wait it. This was my first year in triathlon and I'm very happy to have finished my first IM in a reasonable time. I trained my ass off for a long time, but due to unexpected life changes I essentially stopped training about 8 weeks out from the race. I lost quite a bit of speed and fitness. I was super happy to finish strong and get my cactus medal!