The Pros had already headed off when I entered the water so I didn't have much time to get to the start. I positioned myself right in the middle about 10 yds behind the front. After Coldplay got everyone hyped up the gun went off and it was time to begin my first Ironman. There was the expected contact in the first 200yds and then it was more sporadic. All went well - I could see the ASU stadium to my right then I could see the bridge ahead. I veered a little too far to the right at the bridge and lost a little time getting back. Took the turn buoys wide and had no problems. The return leg went well apart from a little cramping due to the cold, also about 500 yds from the finish I took a heavy blow to the face which cut my cheek around my goggle rim. Kept going and made it to the steps. Fought the cramps going up the stairs but then they eased once I was trotting over to T1.

Nothing

Once I got my bag I stuck my head in the change tent and it was mobbed, so I found some space on the grass and set about drying my feet and taking the time to get socks on. Clearly I didn't rush the process but I was surprised that I was in T1 over 10 min..

Plan to move quicker

Isn't it a great feeling getting on the bike after the swim? The wind got progressively worse with each lap, but judging by my even splits my legs got progressively stronger (just like my long training rides). The wind blew us up the hill and gravity brought us down. I enjoyed passing the large billboard of 'Aslan' - those of you who know your CS lewis will know why!

My nutrition was a powergel every 25 min and 50/50 Ironman perform and water 1 bottle an hour. It seemed to work fine although I stopped to pee twice. I count myself fortunate not to have got caught in a wreak - two guys went down right infront of me and I managed to squeeze between them, then a guy went down on a slick road after the rain in front of me on the 90 deg right hander coming off beeline hwy. The final stretch from the beeline into Tempe was the hardest as the wind was gusting horribly. Still, I had the yells of my family and friends to look forward to .... and I saw them as I came into the athletes village and into T2. A 6:12 split was very fair under the conditions, I otherwise had expected to go under 6 hrs.

Dare I say push a little harder earlier?

Bit of a blurr now - I found a seat outside and got about putting on shoes, visor... that was it.

Nothing

Set out with the attitude that 'I'll run until they tell me to stop' I was particularly wanting to be in good shape at mile 18. I basically kept plodding on through the miles alternating between Ironman perform & water, coke & water, and just water. From mile 18 I just went to coke and water with a few potato chips thrown in for good measure. I power walked up the hills, walked through the aid stations, otherwise ran. I was running at mile 18, 19 ..... 25 and 26! The turn into the finish was awesome - after the darkness and relative quiet of the course all of a sudden there was light and noise.... and a finish line. With my eyes fixed on the finish I picked up my knees and seemed to float through the noise, running right by my screaming family. I did it.

Nothing

Ate some fries.