I was very concerned about the water temp since the last time I swam in cold water I had a difficult time catching my breath. I was also concerned about leaving the water dizzy and so I used ear plugs for the first time ever which proved to work very well for me. As soon as the wave in front of us started then I jumped off the pier into the water so I could have as much of the 5 minutes to get used to the temp. The water did take my breath away at first but after putting my face in the water and blowing bubbles for almost 3 minutes my breathing calmed down and I was ready to go. At 7:15am the cannon sounded and I was on my journey for first HIM. It only took me about 200 yards to calm down and really get my rhythm swimming. I felt great and had no problems sighting and seeing the bouys. After the first 600 yards we made a left turn and I began to get separated from the pack. After a few minutes I realized I was swimming all by myself. After sighting a few times I realized I was about 150 yards outside of the pack. It took me a few minutes to get back to the pack. The last 200 yards of the swim were the most difficult to me because the faster swimmers from the later waves were beginning to catch us and there were lots of swimmers on top of me, under me, and butting heads. I managed to get out of the water in a record swim time for me. I was very surprised that I was not tired or dizzy from the ocean swim. The ear plugs and wetsuit were great!

I swam at a moderate effort and could have gone much harder. I didn't want to be too exhausted and didn't' know how I would feel after an open water swim. This was my first open water swim since last November.

As soon as I got out of the water I started removing my wetsuit. I had no problems getting my wetsuit off with my Garmin on my writs. I ran up to the wetsuit stripping station and layed down and let 2 volunteers pull my wetsuit off. Headed over to my bike and took my time getting ready for the bike.

I could have gone faster but being my first HIM I wanted to take my time and make sure I had everything needed for the bike.

My first 28 miles went very well. My goal pace was 17 avg and I was maintaining about 18 mph avg without too much effort. I could have gone much harder here. After the turn I was very shocked to have a headwind. I did my best to maintain at least a 17 mph avg however I could start to feel it take a toll on my legs so I decided to just ease up and relax on the last 15 miles and get ready for the run. The aid stations were great and volunteer were wonderful calling out all the liquid and nutrition they had available. My plan for nutrition and hydration was to take 5 gels spread out over the 3 hour ride which I did. My other plan was to take at least 20 ounces of water per hour but I ended up only taking in 20 ounces the entire bike ride. I really need to work on taking in more hydration.

Mistake #1

I failed to drink enough water. Take in at least 20 ounces of water per hour. I could have ridden harder however I was worried about my legs holding up on the run.

Again I took plenty of time here in T2. Today was about enjoying the experience and not trying for a specific time so I took my time putting my bike up and getting ready for the run. I even chatted with one of my friends for a few seconds before heading out for the run.



Mistake #2

I did not re-apply sunscreen in T2 as I had planned. Not only did I not re-apply but I ran right past the sunscreen station in T2. Result = very bad sunburn

Since January I've had very bad IT band issues limiting me to no running for 8 weeks and then short distances of 1-2 miles 3-4 weeks from this race. Because of this my plan was to take it very easy and run at about a 11:30 pace and walk every aid station to make sure I was getting plenty of liquid and didn't have any IT Band issues. I stuck to this plan for the first 8 miles and felt pretty strong. At mile 8 I began to get way over heated and I could also really feel my lack of run training take effect. At this point I knew I would finish even if I had to walk the last 4 miles so I decided to walk/jog the remaining 4 miles of the course. These last 4 miles were the toughest thing I've ever done and I had to do a serious gut check to get through them. I knew that I had family and friends tracking me online and that really helped me get through it. Before I knew it I was at the end and somehow squeezed one last burst of energy sprinted the last 200 yards to the finish. It was amazing crossing the finish line and then turning to see my wife smiling at me. What an amazing experience!

Lack of training due to IT Band issues


This was my first 1/2 Iron distance race and first race ever to attend that was an Ironman. I was thoroughly impressed with the organization, the activities, the exhibit, and the volunteers. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute and will make this an annual race.