Navigation was tough since I was not early into the water...lots of traffic to navigate through but I just tried my best to protect my head and swim defensively.

I would have gotten into the water much earlier and started more toward the beginning. With this being my first IM, the start happened before I even knew what was going on and I was cought behind huge groups of people. This was definately a slow swim for me, but I could have cared less, I was done with the first leg of my first Ironman!

The changing room was way too small and there was hardly any room to sit and change. Since it was very chilly I decided to change completely into a new set of tri shorts and a tri top. Also, I put on arm warmers, used th restroom and stopped to have sunscreen aplied.

Nothing really. I know that's a really slow transition time, but my plan was to take it slow and make sure I was ready for this incredibly challenging bike.

At some point within the first 20 miles I accidentally ejected my electrolyte tablets while getting ride of some trash from my pocket. This would come back to haunt me. However, I realized this and took on bananas when available. You have got to be smart on this course, if you make a mistake regarding pace and effort level, you will pay dearly! I rode within my limits and felt pretty good. Having said all of that, I was SOOOOO ready to get off the bike once I was finished.

I would have paid more attention to what I was throwing away, haha!

I had never raced IM and it was a little weired having people hand you your gear and being put into a changing tent etc...but very thankful for everyone of those volunteers!

Nothing ;)

This was my big question mark. I was always a good runner but I've never really dialed in a good run in a triathlon no matter the distance. My plan during training was to have great bike fitness so I was a fresh as I could be for the run, and it paid off big time. My intention was to start very modestly and see what happened. As I started out I could not beleive how good I felt. I settle in to a nice pace and since I started feeling some twitches within my quads, I decided I would walk the uphills and run the flat and downhill sections. At this point I could not stand to eat another gell and gatorade was not pleasing at all. Since my electrolyte tablets were MIA I had to intake more gel, accelorade and food so my stounach was starting to fill up and slosh as I ran...this was a bit nauseating. I was reaching for whatever I could at this point...broth, cola, pretzels and potato chips were all on the menu for the rest of the day. My first 13.1 miles was clocked at 2 hours and the second was clocked at 2:32. I have no idea how I managed to hang on during the run without cramping but I was thankful. As I came up on mile 25 my eyes started to well up with tears as all the sacrifice, the hours, the missed social events, the early mornings, the sore legs...all of it was finally about to be justified. I was just so happy, I've never experienced anything like this ( I am not married and don't have kids). It was satisfaction personified. I managed to hold back the tears as I pulled my sunglasses off and threw my hands in the air...I was an IRONMAN!

I finished, as far as I'm concerned...nuff said ;)

My catcher showed me to pizza, a massage, and my gear. Even though it was only 7:30 I decided to stay till midnight and watch the final finisher come in. I had heard that this it is an amazing experience to see the finale and even though my feet were on fire, I decided I could sacrifice for a bit longer and watch it all go down. I'm so incredibly glad I did...the whole city was in a roar and many cried along with the finishers...it was the most inspiring thing I may have ever seen.


My stoumach was too full during the run and the slosh of the liquid and gel inhibited my ability to run the entire course.


THis was the first year for this race and my first IM...so there was plenty of room for errr on both sides. However, they nailed it. But what really made this race was the beautiful scenery and the people. I WILL come back to this city for a visit outside of triathlon. It's a georgeous city with incredibly nice people. They were patient with all the road closures and unbeleivable nice. I was constantly stopped and congradulated by the locals as they pass me afterward on the street. I just cannot say enough great things about the race. If you're looking to do an IM, and you want one of the toughest courses in the world...look no further.