Ironman Arizona - TriathlonFull Ironman

Had a good swim. Sighting was no issue and felt comfortable for the majority of the swim. I had only swam this distance once prior OW setting and knew where I wanted my time to be at and was almost right on to the second.

Would be a little more aggressive off the start. I was told by IM experienced friends that you can't be nice on the swim or you will be ran over and slowed down the entire time. After swallowing a good gut full of the beautiful Tempe Town Lake in the first 200m I got tougher held my line and kicked HARD when needed.

I stayed outside of the tent and transitioned. I was already in my race suit for the day so sat down dried off and got ready. I did take a few minutes to take in some solid nutrition (Smuckers uncrustable) and drink before leaving. Wanted to make sure I was not behind on nutrition after the swim before starting the bike.

If I hought I was racing for a Kona spot or some prize purse could have been faster, but I wasn't. I was happy with staying smooth and calm and in my mind ready to hit the bike course.

Had a good bike. Felt comfortable the entire time. Pushed when I had to and kept on my goal pace for about 90% of the time. I knew where I needed/wanted to be to have the time I was shooting for and was well within that goal. There were times I encounterd LONG lines of people riding together and made it tough to get around or hold my pace which was frustrating, but in the overall picture did not affect my day at all.

This off season I plan on improving my biking. I consider myself a strong, consistent biker but want to improve my overall strength on the bike. As far as this race goes, nothing. Was very happy with my times and how I felt.

Quick T2 more like I like to be. Took off my helmet and shoes, handed to a volunteer that helped me stuff my transition bag. Grabbed my shoes, socks and visor and was out the door to my FIRST marathon.

I had my FUEL BELT with me only carrying 2 bottles and a few gels and quickly realized it was not needed. I ditched it part way through the first loop and was fine without it. The course was so well stocked it was unnessary baggage to carry.

This was my FIRST marathon and I am so happy with how I did. I ran the entire marathon only walking through aid stations when taking in nutrition. I stayed focused with a smile on my face. My wife and support team said every time they saw me I looked so comfortable and in the zone they knew I was having a GREAT day. I really feel like I nver hit the proverbial wall, which I have hit before in a 1/2 IM. I just felt like I was floating along and having a wonderful time.

NOTHING, I could not have been happier with my first marathon/ IM run.

After crossing through the finishers shoot and having my picture taken I grabbed some of those FABULOUS salty french fries and drinks and found my family for hugs and kisses. I just kept moving for awhile, eating and drinking. I think I was on the IM high because I felt really good considering I had just finished my first.


Nothing. This was first IM and was truly wanting to just finish. I know they say don't set a goal time, just finish your first one. Myself and 2 buddies did it together for our first one and talking with them I had said if everything went great I hoped to be between 12-14 hours and my wife kept telling me she knew I was going to surprise myself and do closer to the 12 hour mark than I thought. She was right, as usual :)


I had a GOLDEN experience for my first Ironman and am planning on doing St. George in 2013.