The swim was amazing. There was a lot of talk about current/length of swim, etc. Prior to the start, I figured an average swim would be 1:05, good, around 1:02 and bad around 1:08.

Go out harder and definitly draft better. I tend to settle into too easy of a rythm. Also, not have one of my goggles leak and swim half with only one eye, since the saltwater stung.

I really took my time here. The change tent was full, so I went in, than out and applied body glide everywhere...while there was a camera guy filming me. I think he eventually noticed what I was doing and then turned the camera away. I also helped someone with sunscreen and got help myself.

I could have been a little quicker. I had too much stuff in my t-1 bag.

Got on the bike and was crusing along at about 22-23 miles per hour thinking how easy this was. Someone by me said the same thing as he was passing. Then, a little headwind, slowed down to about 19 or so. Turned along the coast, no protection, cross/head winds were strong and got stronger as the day went (3 laps). I was starting to go 15-16 on this section (13 miles). Saw a lot of people really straining and I think this hurt them. I managed to take it easy the entire ride, perhaps too easy, but the wind was tough. Initially, I thought I'd go around 5:35-5:40, even with some wind. Wasn't prepared for this wind though. I also lost 10 minutes trying to find my special needs bag, but oh well.

Go out a little harder. I left some out there, but it was my first Ironman and my run is usually my weakpoint. Well, I ended up (ranking-wise) having my run be my best for this race. Also, for some reason my feet were killing me. I rode the last 4 miles with my feet out of my shoes.

Took my time, was starting to get sore from the bike, applied "warming" body glide...not a good idea for sore areas.

I had planned on running between 8:45-9 minutes per mile and this was what I started out at for the first loop. Second loop, I started to walk the aid stations to get fluids. I was sick of gels and gatorade, so everything I took was from the stations, which was bananas, oranges and coke. I bet I ate 10 bananas, 15 oranges and 9 cans of coke. The second loop was closer to 10 minutes/mile. The last loop, I started to slow down and was closer to 11 min./mile. For some reason, with two miles left, I got re-energized and ran it in at sub 8:30/mile, passing a lot of people. What a great experience.

I was only able to get one run further than 13 miles since March 2008, so I would train for the run a little better. Also, work on pacing. I had some left at the end, but I also didn't want to have to walk it in.

LOOOOONG massage, pizza and walking aroiund barefoot to get my stuff cause my feet hurt so bad.


Wasn't able to train as much as I would have liked, but I'm happy.


Great race, especially the swim venue.