Ochsner Ironman 70.3 New Orleans - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

The swim was good for me, although it was disconcerting to see earlier waves have so many people who couldn't swim. I watched many in the first 100 yards pulled out by lifeguard, kayak, Sea Doo and Police Boat. People are crazy to attempt this length if they can't swim 100 yards. Kudos to the organizers for being prepared with many safety boats and lifeguards.

The run from the swim into T1 was long to the timing mat (I swam in 42 and chip said 44), and the run out was even longer. I couldn't run that far in my shoes and I can't pedal and put my shoes on at the same time. Too old to learn new tricks, and at this length I figured a half minute to walk wasn't too long.

I'm always slower in transition that I should be.

Strong headwinds for later wave starters. The final 15+ miles into a 20 mph headwind took a lot out of my legs and average time.

Again, a long run through transition as the area was larger and very spread out.

2 months before the race I hurt my knee and had not run at all in 8 weeks. I knew the run would be tough, but I wasn't willing to DNF. I had hoped for a sub 6 hour finish, and could have made it with a decent run, but the knee didn;t allow that. Just happy to finish

My run training for the rest of the year will be indoors on the treadmill and elliptical machines. I'm told that the injury is from aging and nothing can be done other than to stop running.

Poor run training due to a knee injury.


Recommend this race. New Orleans is a lot of fun, and the organizers put on a great event. Just wish the roads were better paved and the winds died down a bit.