It was definitely a crowded swim. I guess that's the downside of being part of the largest age group in the race...
For the most part, I had a nice steady swim. Didn't really try to kill it, but also really couldn't because of the crowding. For some reason I had trouble keeping a straight line today, kept looking to find myself pulling to the right.
After the first 200, I had pulled into a good spot with my group to find some nice free space, but never really found anyone to draft off of. Unfortunately, on the back half and turning back in, I really started running into the earlier waves and dealt with crowding again.
The sun coming back was brutal and made it almost impossible to spot the bouys until they were right in front of me. Even with polarized goggles!

Nothing really. I hadn't been in a pool for 2 weeks prior to the race and if I had been in more I may have been able to go faster.
Still in the top 24% of my age group, but I know I can do better.

I love the wetsuit strippers!! They sure make a difference and are wonderful people for being willing to do that job.

It was a long run from the beach to my bike. The path from the beach is very gravely so they lay down mats to run on. This is very nice, but unfortunately I got caught behind a very slow person heading up and couldn't get around him! Once I finally got to my bike, I was actually very efficient at getting on socks and shoes and grabbing my helmet and shades. I did stop and get sunblock applied (I learned my lesson at New Orleans)!


Not get caught behind people and I probably still need to practice this transition more.

As I mentioned above, be aware that the 6 mile portion to and from transition is very rough and has some tight turns, so you can't really let it all out.
This is definitely made up for on the loop! The road there is completely closed highway that is super smooth. This gives you lots of room for passing (which you need, especially on your second loop).
Heading out is a net up-hill. Nothing terrible, you'll just notice that your average speed is slightly lower than coming back in (I averaged ~19.9 out and 22.3 back).
We had an absolutely calm day, so biking conditions couldn't have been better. I could see where wind would make this a tougher course though.

I am continuing to improve my bike! This was a PR bike split for me and I still felt really good coming off, so I don't think I burnt myself out.

I just need to continue my bike training and it would have definitely helped me overall if I had really trained better for this race.

Did a decent job in T2. Again, I stopped to let the volunteers slather on sunscreen. It may not have been 90 degrees, but the sun was in full force!

I do wish that I could learn to pull my feet out of my shoes heading into transition, but I simply don't think I'm coordinated enough

My strategy was to try and hold a 9-9:30 pace and just run between aid stations. I knew going in that my training wasn't really there, but I was hoping to just get through.

Remember how I loved the calm weather on the bike? Sadly, I would have paid money for a nice breeze on the run course to cool it down. I guess I shouldn't complain because Muncie is usually sits in the mid to upper 90's, but still...

This strategy worked pretty well until mile 10. At that point, the heat and lack of training really started getting to me and I found myself walking more than running and then started getting the dreaded calf cramps! I had left my salt tabs in T2 because I underestimated the heat and sun and I was now paying the price!
I had to walk most of mile 10 and all of 11. However, once I got to 12.5 and could see the crowds and hear the music and announcer, nothing was going to stop me from running myself in. I also knew that my wife and son would be waiting and it may sound dumb, but I never want to let them down by not finishing strong.

Actually putting in the time and training would be a good start.

It would also be a good thing to remember the salt tabs and take them no matter what I think about the weather. I have a history of being susceptible to cramping in the heat and I know better.

Did some light stretching and some nice post race chow!


Lack of training


Muncie puts on a very good race! the transition and finish area is in a park that is very family friendly. The only downside is that it's nearly impossible for spectators that are coming in later to actually get there.
The food at the finish was just ok, but personally I really wanted a beer and they didn't have any.

Overall, as always, I have yet to find anyone that compares to an Ironman branded event. At the end of the day, you really do get what you pay for.

Ironically, as much as I really liked this race, I don't know that I would do it again. This sounds bad, but the reason is that the conditions I had were as good as they'll ever be in Muncie and I would have a hard time comparing future performances to this one because of the unseasonably cool weather we had.