I was mainly concerned about the mass start. However, it went very well. I was able to relax and focus on breathing. I thought the course was a bit crowded.

Nothing.

I knew from history that the men's changing tent would be dark and crowded. I had planned to completely change, but I decided to wear my biking shorts under my wetsuit. So, all I had to do was throw on my Jersey, socks, shoes, gloves, sunglasses, and helmet - all of which I did sitting outside the crowded changing tent.

Great bike segment for me. You never know how hard to push an Ironman bike because no matter what, you still have a marathon to face down.

Nothing.

Completely changed into clean, dry running gear.

Well, this is where I faced my "Ironman" moment. I was on pace for an overall time of 10:45. In the weeks leading in, I have been plagued with calf and hamstring problems. It was going well until mile 15. Here, the wheels came off. I have never experienced cramping legs and blisters before, but I did here. It really was all I could do to walk fast those last 11 miles. At the finish, I had to peel my bloody socks off of my feet. (I have pics for those of you sadists out there!)

I would like to be injury free during my final weeks. Also, I'm not sure why I cramped so much - that has never happened. Maybe it was run training related?

Hobbling around saying, "ouch, ouch, ouch, etc."


Injuries and limited run training.


Another Ironman experience in the books. My Ironman Louisville experience was vastly different that Ironman Florida. Ironically, my times were within 13 seconds of each other:

11:40:28 - Ironman Louisville 2007
11:40:41 - Ironman Florida 2008

Ironman Florida is a much faster course with much better weather conditions!