Beach 2 Battleship - TriathlonFull Ironman

As a rule, I would suggest that a swim without the current would add approximately 20 minutes to the swim split, for a total of 1:40 or so.

Train before the event.. I hadn't been to a pool in almost six months.

Forecast was for a slight headwind (0-2 mph) on the way out, increasing to 5-7 mph around the time we would head back. Instead, the headwind was 5-7 mph on the way out and then shifted to a northerly direction as we headed back south, picking up to 10-12 mph with gusts of 15-18 mph. The drafting was noticeable once the wind direction changed and its speed increased.

I slowed more than I probably should have, adding a considerable amount of time to my bike split. The risk of frying on the bike and not being able to run at all during the marathon was a significant concern and I'm not entirely sure that I shouldn't have given it a little more to keep the bike time down.

290 overall in T2, spent plenty of time (obviously) making sure that my feet were clean and dry before putting on running shoes. Took Alleve in the changing tent due to onset of headache during last 20-30 miles of bike.

Sat for longer than I should have and probably could have shaved 5-6 minutes here.

Temperature dropped quickly once the sun began to set. I was wearing gloves as dusk approached and within a few minutes of it getting dark, I reached Run Special Needs and was able to pull on sleeves and trade my visor for a knit cap. By the end of the run, I was getting cold, but only for the last few minutes.

Train better for the run. I only did two long runs, the latter of which was a 10-miler.

Took (very short) hot shower and put on compression gear before heading out for dinner.


Lack of training, inbalance in work life.


One last word about Setup Events and the Beach2Battleship triathlon. This was my first Iron distance event, but certainly not my first triathlon. To date, this is the best run event that I've seen with excellent support from the company that runs it and the most fantastic set of volunteers I've ever had the pleasure of coming across. There were two volunteers for every three athletes and it showed. I would highly recommend this race for anyone looking to do their first full or half-Ironman event and would also urge anyone interested in their other venues (Setup presents approximately 150 events per year) to consider doing those as well.