When I saw the markers I thought - wow this is a big swim - the group of guys was huge too as our wave included the 24-29 males also. The started the swim in the middle about 3 back. It was tight for the first 900m - not a lot of room - got hit quite a few times but I also hit a few people also (sorry!). Hard to tell how fast your moving as the ocean is deep unlike the bottom of the pool. You just had to swim and hope for the best. Breathing was odd at times kind of felt like I was hyperventilating. Had to breathe on a single side to catch my breathe even though I was not working hard. The finish line could not have come quick enough - felt a lot longer than 1900m but then again I've never swam 1900 outdoors before.

I think i swam to the best of my ability. I would like to get more training sessions in with open water swimming and my wetsuit before IM.

Yeah...got my shoes on for once during the ride. Felt proud of myself.

Not a lot - could have been quicker getting out of the suit but I didnt do that bad.

Too all the advice and started easy - picked up my pace after about 5km - started taking in some carbs around the 15 min mark. 1st lap I wanted to keep the pace comfortable/hard. I felt great apart from the pain coming from my hip-flexors. Had to stretch my back on each corner on the first lap to reduce the pain. 2nd lap I moved to the tip of my seat and got rid of any pain - I was then able to push the last lap and got my rhythm.

Forgot to talk my salt stick tablets - BIG mistake!

Endura Gel - 200ml
Water - 2000ml
Endura Rehydrate - 700ml

I think I rode to the best of my ability - the only thing I would do differently is make sure I took my salt tablets. Next time I will write it on my hand!

Easy transition - everything went smooth

Nothing

2km into the run and I was forced to walk due to cramps in my quads and calves. I have never experienced anything like this! It felt as though my muscles would break in two and they were ROCK HARD! I walk to the first aid station and took in some electrolytes. This helped a little and I was able to keep a somewhat respectful pace of 5:00m/km to the next station without a moment to spare for more electrolytes and to walk off the cramp. This continued through out the race. Aid station to aid station. I was conscious of the time and saw my Sub 5 time start to slip away with each stop at the station. I had to skip the last two stations and get myself to the finish line. I grit my teeth and pushed myself to a place I have never been before.....pain euphoria (that's the only way I can describe it). I managed to cross the line with a couple of minutes to spare thank god!

Take salt tablets on the ride! I was disappointed with myself because as you can see my HR was low for the run because the pain was stopping me and not my fitness level. Oh well. I keep telling myself it was my first Half Ironman and learn from my mistakes. I'll make sure it doesnt happen in IM in December.

Foam roller massage. Walk


Cramping


Will be back again next year - sub 4:30 :)