I never heard the horn - People in front ran forward and I followed. The one time of a race I'm having no fun is the swim start, so I took some advice from brown_dog_us and let the crowd go for about 10 secs before I made my way to the first turn buoy about 25m from the beach. Good call.

I had clear water basically the whole swim. I'm gonna make the rest of this part of my RR a primer on how to do the swim at B2B:

Here's what someone looking at this race needs to know:

Start - Go way upwater for the first buoy and you'll avoid the crunch of 500+ swimmers - If the current is running on race day, it'll carry you back towards your target.

Swim Route - Take a line as far to the left as you can; the current is much stronger in the middle of the channel and you'll be in better position for the left turn around the 2mile mark. You'll also be out of the way of the main pack of swimmers. Might have to look a little harder for some feet to draft..

The Turn - It's NOT the boat with the squiggly man. You're looking for a green course marker and because you can't really sight off that marker until you're fairly close, it's not hard to get pushed by the current further downstream than you want..I think a lot of folks lose a lot time here, so fixate on that green turn marker.

Seapath Condos - The only highrise in the area is your target from here on in. Pick a line that takes you directly towards the tallest building you see and you'll save even more time.

When there's a current and the wind is coming from the south, this can be one fast and smooth swim. I knew we wouldn't get a current on race day but thought I could go 1:05 for the swim - An adverse wind direction had other ideas but I still felt good about this segment. It's still my weakest event but I actually enjoyed the water and wasn't cold in the least w/out cap/gloves/booties.

For all my sermonizing about how to do the course, my execution wasn't flawless in re the line I took at the turn. I'll try and do better next time.

The race nearly ended for me about 15 secs out of the water.

I was a little light headed when I got to the ladder and positively dizzy after I stood up from the wetsuit-strip. I ran straight into the metal railing next to the temporary shower...I gave myself at least a deep bruise and possibly a fracture in two ribs. Couldn't breathe for a moment but the poor volunteer thought I was having a hypothermic fit. I tried to get an apology out for having wrecked half the shower but couldn't speak, so I shuffled my way towards the tent, a deeply humbled and chastened alltom1. Ironman is a fickle mistress and I took a slap on this day.

Changing tent was a time of quiet contemplation and reflection on my attainments to this point. Ok, not really - I just wanted to get dressed , get on the bike and lick my wounds on the fly..More or less, mission accomplished. It was warmer than I would have guessed so I ditched my high-tech(garbage bag) outerlayer.

As if the day isn't long enough, taking a few extra moments to mutilate myself isn't the clearest route to Ironman glory..Next time, I'll skip over the additional physical challenge.

Riding in aerobars = no problem for ribs. Anytime I got out of the saddle = hurt. Thank goodness for a flat course.

Head wind more or less for 75miles took a little pace adjusting and I was seldom in a comfortable rhythm until the turn back to Wilmington. I got passed by some folks the first half, not so many the rest of the way and just did what I could to save something for the marathon. Last section on 421 was a thing of beauty..Tailwind and smooth pavement.

I'd like to add that Infinit+Uncrustables worked perfectly. No nutrition problems on Nov13. 6Gu's and 3 Saltstick tabs. too. Fueling up in the cold is so much easier than when it's hot..

My goal time was 5:40. I went 5:41. Good to go.

My pleas for aspirin/ibuprofen fell on deaf ears in the changing tent. I guess I should be happy some wonk didn't volunteer to whack me on the other side to even things out.

Knew I was in for a long run when I tried to take my sleeveless jersey and underlayer off..

Story is more or less typical of Ironman at this point - Short version is I struggled for a while in the middle but rallied for the last 9miles and left with a good taste in my mouth.

Longer version is that ribs weren't much of a problem on the bike and I started to think I was gonna get off lightly..Not so fast, muchacho: The run felt like I had a cramp or stitch or something and I struggled to block out the ouchy for lots and lots of miles.

Hit a long bad patch and was ready to turn my chip in at the turnaround but was shamed into continuing by all the people cheering..Cavalry arrived in the form of caffeine

I'd started sipping Pepsi around the 10 mile. Silly rabbit, should have started much sooner - The caffeine kicked in around the 17th mile and away I went. Last 9 was easily the fastest segment of the run and friends, I am here to tell you, Coke on the run course is the cure for what ails you: Ribs hurt? Drink Coke. Bad attitude? Drink Coke. etc.

Finished ok and looked my watch for the first time since T2 - Ok, not the hysterical disaster it felt like..The run was slower than I'd planned, so I didn't wind up with the day I'd thought I would but close enough for respectability. I hate making excuses.

Start with the soda at aid station #1.

Warming tent/Massage


I blame my family for letting me do this solo - AGAIN! ;- )


I didn't have the day I wanted so I'm probably going to come back and try again next year..

This race compares favorably with any other I've done in 7years of triathlon, and that includes mDot. B2B does not disappoint.