The really good thing is that I just kept swimming. Kept plugging along and got into a groove. No breast stroke, no freaking out when I ran into some kelp or another swimmer. Just kept swimming. Actually passed up a few people from previous waves that were kind of struggling. Actually felt bad for them. I did pass a few folks here and there.

Get my swim coach and my different technique more dialed in. That will come.
Also, would have cut over toward the middle and buoy line much, much sooner. I would have to say the swim was average though still because I didn't get bothered by others bonking into me or clawing at my leg or anything. Much more comfortable in this OWS than any other previously.

Could have gone faster I suppose but wanted to make sure I had everything -- Put gloves on ends of shifters and put them on while riding. Still haven't mastered the shoes on the bike technique yet. It took a bit longer to pull my long sleeve jersey over my slightly wet body but I knew I'd be very cold and miserable without it.

??

I'm very glad I trained on hills and lots of them because it paid off on this course. The first pancake flat stretch could really trash your legs if you went out too strong, but I knew this and restrained myself. I had plenty in the tank for the hills and a good spinning in aero to take me back to T2. It was a good day on the bike. I pushed harder than normal.

Not much.

BJ was there and asking me if I needed anything. She was volunteering. I chatted with her while I changed socks (yes I changed socks) and put my shoes, race belt and got my food in my hand to run out. Stopped at the porta on the way out and off for the run.

Maybe I shouldn't have been so chatty? :)

I started out strong, faded a bit and then got strong again, faded and then strong. That seems to be how these 1/2 marathons in a HIM go for me. My goal was to be under 2 and I guess because I pushed the bike more I just didn't have it in me to push more on the run. I'm not a fan of the flat course on pavement. Hard on the back. I do realize I'm much lighter on my feet now though. Chatted with several people (mostly nice guys) on the run. Helps to pass the time. Plus, sometimes I think I'm designated cheerleader and read others names and cheer for them, especially if it looks like they need a boost.
There were a lot of aid stations and they were really great. The ruffles potato chips were fantastic!! I don't eat chips but they really gave me the salt I needed. I had my race fuel belt with me and drank my drinks, plus a bit of water. Mostly put water on my arm coolers. The sun was hot, but it was still a beautiful day.

Try to push a bit more.

I felt really great after finishing, until I stepped into the massage tent for a massage. Lying down--not a good idea. I got light-headed and felt sick to my stomach and hot and they called medical. Got taken to the med tent so they could check my vitals and had to sit there for a while until they would let me go. No IV though, so that's good. My pulse was up at 88! Yikes. It's normally 58 or even lower. When it had gone down to 72 they let me leave.


Probably not taking enough fluids during the run. I should have realized that when I didn't have to potty, that was a sign. I only took one enduralyte tab and probably should have taken 4 or even more. The chips were probably a bit too late.

Note to self: Keep moving after finishing. Do not stop at massage tent, do not pass go, do not collect $200 unless I've "won" it. :)


My one complaint is that all they had at the finish food tent was chain bought pizza. ICK! No fruit, no juice, no bananas or bagels or anything else. I wasn't in the mood to eat, but an orange might have been refreshing. They did have LOTS of great stuff at the aid stations, including cola, chips, cookies, bananas, oranges, ice, ice soaked sponges. Ooooohhhh -- I should have just gotten some ice chips on the run. That's what I did at Barb's last year. An Ironman branded race was on my goals, so now I've been able to strike through that one. Yippee.