Musselman Half-Iron Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Actually swam next to Heidi for nearly half of the swim which was calming to have some familiarity. The way out to the first bouy was rough and we had a current to fight. When we rounded the first bouy it got better, but my navigation was a little off. On our way back to shore, we had the current helping us. Once we got into the canal, the water was protected, less choppy and was warm, but tasted awful...like dead fish. I just focused on moving forward. I caught some swimmers in the first two waves and it was getting a little congested as it was a skinny canal. Towards the end of the swim, I look up to navigate and see a person in a white cap bobbing in front of me like a sea otter...I realize it was Nate as I noticed the bright orange ear plugs. I said hello and couldn't hear what he said back.
Hit the boat ramp and started running. I heard Kelly, Doug's wife, yelling my name. I decided to take my wetsuit off right away while there was still some water in it. Ended up to be a good idea as it came off with nearly no issues.

Push harder on the swim. I could have given a little more effort, but I settled into a comfortable pace and maintained it the entire race.

15th in AG
327 OA

I tried to pee while swimming, but couldn't do it without stopping. In true typical fashion, I peed in T1 while putting on my helmet, sunglasses, etc. Relubed with chamois butter and I was off.

Learn to pee while swimming as it would have saved me some time.

The course starts with ~14 miles net uphill. Since we drove the course the day before, I knew what to expect and it was helpful mentally to know the course. We had a cross/headwind for the first part of the ride. I let my HR settle for about 15 minutes before starting my nutrition. I kept the schedule of GU or GU Chomps every :30 with GU20 in between. My goal for the first 14 miles was to maintain a comfortable pace and not worry about my average mph. We turned left and had a nice stretch of road which was downhill with a tailwind. I was happy to be able to spend nearly the entire ride in aero as I've been having saddle issues. The weather was perfect, despite the wind. Overcast and nice temps. The sun would come out every so often, but it was perfect.
I used the port-o-potty at mile 26 as it was starting to get painful. When I got off the bike to pee, I felt pain in my right inner thigh...the same pain I felt off the bike in Philly. I completely forgot about it since Philly and was concerned it would return for the run.

There was a nice descent down to the other lake before the flat part parallel to the lake. There was again a headwind as we were heading south, but it wasn't awful. Turned right for the one major climb on the course. It wasn't awful, but was just challenging enough with the wind.

Enjoyed some more nice downhill sections after the climb. Miles 42-48 weren't great as the road was an older road and wasn't smooth. It had some cracks and potholes so I didn't ride aero here so I could navigate around the messy road.

The back of the course got a little lonely, but I was nearing the end and was ready to get off the bike. I wasn't necessarily uncomfortable, but just ready to finish. As I turned left from the road onto the carpeted section, I heard Dan yelling super loud! It was such a great surprise and made me smile and ride hard to the finish. Unclipped and ran to the transition area...pain free in my right leg which was awesome!

For me, I had a good bike. There were some sections I probably could have pushed harder, but I question if I would have fallen apart on the run.

24th in AG
526 OA

No issues in T2. It took me longer than usual since I stopped in the port-o-potty before leaving the transition area. I didn't feel I was drinking too much on the bike, but the cooler temps could be a reason I had to pee so much.

Hustle or learn to pee on the bike.

My plan for the run was to see how I felt and run for as long as I could. If I had to go to an 8:2 run/walk, I would. I immediately saw Dan and Ally and it was great to see familiar faces. They said everyone was on the course and looked great which was a mental boost for me. I felt good from the start. I saw Brad around mile 2 and he looked strong. I then saw Tim shortly after and we exchanged words of encouragement. My plan was to eat every 3 miles and take a short walk break while doing so if I needed it. I hit the switch back and the first hill around mile 3 and walked up it. It was pretty steep and we had the choice to run in the grass or used the stairs. The hill was weird as it was literally someone's yard. I chose the stairs and started running when I got to the top on Main Street. I took a small shot of GU after I got my HR settled. I also took some salt tabs from the aid station. While I carried my water bottle, I was taking cups of water from the stations...drinking some and dumping the rest on my head. The water was cold and it felt awesome. The temps weren't warm, but I am usually hot when I run so I was trying to stay as cool as possible. The crowds on the course were great...some people sitting at the end of their driveways cheering, some on their porches, some with hoses asking if we wanted to be squirted. I started taking a sponge from the aid station and would squeeze it over my head until the next aid station. It was also helpful to keep the sweat out of my eyes. I walked again ~mile 6 at the next climb. We turned left onto the gravel road which was a downhill and then a steep uphill which I walked. After mile 7, the rest of the course was net downhill...with some pretty steep downhill sections. One last walk around mile 9 at a hill. I got to the path again in the park and the run felt effortless. I had a great rhythm with my breathing and cadence. There was a nice tailwind as I headed towards the finish line. After a few turns, the finish line was in sight and I had no other athletes around me. I heard the announcer call my name as I crossed the line with a strong finish.

Nothing. A great run for me at the HIM distance. I was happy to run almost the entire course, with the exception of some of the hills.

Walked around trying to find our group. Heidi, Doug and Kelly finally found me and we then found Brad. I got some food watched Nate finish. We took things back to the car and got some more food. They had pizza, really good local juices and fruits, cookies, ice cream, etc. It was a good selection.


Just mentally pushing myself.


This was a great race!
Pros: nice course/location, long sleeved tech shirt, awesome bike gear finishing medals, good post-race food, lots of volunteers and stocked aid stations, getting to race with friends.
Cons: can't really think of any. I really liked this race.

Looking back to Kinetic in 2007 and Eagleman in 2005 and 2006, this race was drastically different. It actually felt good. I actually ran the run. I raced and didn't just survive the distance. I am really happy with my overall performance and happy the day came together as it did. Since Kinetic was shortened, this was a 1 hour, 7 minute PR compared to Eagleman in 2006. While the mild temps and overcast skies helped, I felt so much stronger than past HIM distance races. It's a nice confidence boost to know I am getting stronger and smarter.