The swim is my favorite part of the tri. It is also my best part. I was nervous that the water would be too cold so I used my swim sleeves. Once I jumped in the water I was fine. About 3/4 thru the swim my right sleeve started to fill up with water and slowed me down a bit. Overall I was very, very happy with my swim.

Not use swim sleeves. Other than that, nothing. Although I probably could have trained more for the swim I am happy that I trained more for the bike and run.

I knew I was taking my time in T1 and that I was going slow, but did not realize how slow! I probably wasted a couple of minutes fighting to get my arm warmers on.

EVERYTHING!!!!

I think I was the only person with an aluminum tri bike. I thought this going in so I did not feel intimidated.

Once I got on my bike (which I jokingly call me P.O.C...Piece of Crap but I am glad that it is mine) I was shivering the 1st 5 miles!

The first loop on the bike I did at an average pace of 18.5 miles per hour. I knew I was going faster than what I expected on the B-Line but was comfortable. Then I messup up. I did not do my nutrition until an hour and 45 minutes on the bike. Also, on the second loop the wind was in my face going downhill so I got no help there. Miles 36 - 42 were bad with cramps and when I did finally use the rest room I almost slipped off the bike. Getting back on the bike was not good either as my left buttocks started to hurt. I knew the bike was going to be my worse part and I was hoping of an average of 17mph (which I did not get).

A little bit more training on the bike with some more 50 mile rides.

Nutrition.

I was late on my nutrition so took a minute to down some gels. I also knew that I was not going for podium so I decided to enjoy the moment.

I took my friend Kaveh (he did 2011 IronmanAZ) and slowed down at the start. I actually walked the first 3 minutes to get my legs back. I am glad that I did as I did the first loop at an average pace of about 9 minute miles. I was excited as my overall HIM goal was 7 hours or better and I thought I was going to make it in 6 and a half. Mile 7 was when my legs came out from under me. I expected that as this was my first HIM, but wow. They got wobbly. I started to do runs to aid stations and walk thru stations to 2 minute run and then 1 minute walks. Although slowing down I never stopped and kept slodging along. Mile 10 though I had issues as I started to cramp on my right side and although my mind said that I was running my body was not. I ended up walking between Mile 10.5 - 11.5 and was dissappointed in myself. Knowing that I was almost done I started to plod along to the finish line. I turned the corner at the end and saw the chute as well as my friend Denise (another Ironman finisher...why do I hang with these people???). I remember her saying that I was almost there and I saw that it said 6:40. I remember asking her if that said 6:40, she said yes, and then somehow I was able to sprint to the end. As I came past the chute I raised my hands up. I am not the fastest swimmer, biker, or runner, but, I trained for and did a half ironman! Not bad for a fat sick kid growing up in and out of hospitals.

Poor nutrition on the bike probably did not help me. Maybe do some more brick training.

My wife took me over to the PT's at the aid station and I was stretched. My whole left side seemed like one big knot.

After the race I made it home and hung out with my kids in our hot tub. we ordered a pizza for dinner. I was not really able to eat but managed a slice and a beer. 2 days later I was able to eat again and for breakfast had the 7 remaining slices of pizza. Guess I was hungry.


Poor nutrition during the race. I was all set up on gels and goo and used 1/2 of what I wanted to.


Red Rock, who did this race, as always puts on a great race and I am glad that this was my first HIM.