So this swim start had me freaked out, first open water swim of the year, first half ironman, and the constant worry that I missed something in transition. Well that was short lived because my wave got called! I waded out and talked a little with a new person who was freaking out as well (never did a tri before!). I continued to wade for what seemed like hours, then got into some water that was actually swimmable. Took off and tried to settle into a nice rhythm, which worked to a point. It was about 5 minutes in and my right goggle started to leak and it ended up looking like a fish bowl for a little bit. I rolled over and drained the goggles out and got back into swimming. Then it happened again, so I rolled and drained, and began swimming again. Much to my surprise, my goggles began leaking again! But this time it was the left.....so finally after monkeying around with the goggles for 1/3 of the swim, I was able to settle in and finish strong. I felt like I could have gone harder, but being my first half I did not want to kill myself for the remainder of the day.

Make sure my goggles are securely on and not leaking, as well as swim a little harder.

nadda

The bike was something that I was looking forward to, because I knew once I got on the bike that I would finish the day! Got going and settled into a nice comfortable pace, then came a nice big hill right out of transition....and it kept going, up and up and up......Once I got up to the hill, I settled in and began to prepare for the journey ahead. I got the the first turn off to find a volunteer not directing people, so myself and a few others took a right, seemed like a logical choice, but alas it was not so. We ended up taking the wrong course and had to jog back to get on the right course. Settled into a nice pace around 22-23 mph. I knew that this was too fast, but it was not working to go slower and the legs felt good so I just went with it. Kept that pace for a little while and gradually took it down to around 19-20 mph. My nutrition was to cycle water, perp, and gatorade every 10 min, with a gel every 45. This worked well up until the last hour of the bike when I got a little bloated, but this passed right around the end of the bike leg. Held the pace around 19 for most of the day, until mile 45 when the legs were not so happy anymore. I felt that the pushed pace earlier had a bit of en effect on me at this point, but gotta learn somehow! Came into transition a little tired and sore, but was ready to run

not push so hard at the beginning, and stick to my race plan.

Made sure to take my time here and put socks on, grab gels, number, hat etc, and took off.

Well this was the leg I was most worried about, because my run is not nearly strong enough. I started off with a jog/walk up the massive hill so that my heart rate would not be sky high, which worked to a point. I began the run and tried to settle into a nice pace but this only lasted for about 3 miles. I began to feel more of the effects of the bloating on the bike which led to some walking times to ease off on the cramping. I was also not used to the trail running style which made my ankles and calves hurt something awful! I remember talking with Dave about entering the pain cave a few times on this distance, and it would be key to push through it. Unfortunately I did not get this done, but it will happen not that I know how to deal with it! I kept on running/walking for the remainder of the course and ate/drank everything at the aid stations. Around mile 6 I developed a pain on both of my feet just under my little toes, I did not pay much attention to it at first, but it gradually grew and grew. I pushed through the pain and the rest of the run to finish off my first half. At first it did not sink in that I finished my first ever half-ironman, but about and hour into the drive on the way home, I got this big grin on my face.....I did it! (then the thought turned to IM Moo in September and the grin went away ;)

push a little more and get through the pain cave to have a stronger run!

Took an immediate dip in the ice bath to cool off the feet and the calves which were both not happy. I grabbed some water, some food, and some beer and took a seat for a little while to get some solid food into my stomach. Packed up the stuff and headed on home


lack of experience, lack of mental toughness to push into the threshold past the pain cave.