Ironman Chattanooga - TriathlonFull Ironman

Started towards the back. Figured it didn't matter if I got in at 7:30 or at 7:45. Ended up getting in just before the wetsuit people at 7:50. Really strong swim. Held a really good line. Caught feet when I could.

Nothing.

There was a pretty good run from swim exit up to the changing tent. Didn't rush it, but didn't slack either. Pretty happy with the time.

Started out pretty good. Goal was to just push the pedals and not feel any tension on the legs, regardless of pace/speed. Had to make a feel surges to keep out of draft zones, but overall, good ride. Skipped the Special Needs bag on loop 1, figured I'd grab it on loop 2. First loop was great, felt great. Second loop was less eventful. Less people around as I moved up past the swimmers who started in front of me. Was looking forward to the Special Needs bag on the 2nd loop. While I didn't need my special needs bag at mile 53, I could have used it before mile 98.

Nothing

Ran into changing tent. Got changed into running gear quickly, packed my bag, and handed it to a volunteer on the way out. Had to stop in the port-a-john, which is where I spent about half my time. Figured better getting it out now then waiting until on the rn.

Nothing

Started out going ok. I was holding about low 9min/mile. Grabbed water at the first aid station and kept moving. Stopped at the 2nd aid station to fuel a little better. At that point my tank was feeling empty and my stomach not right. Decided to walk every aid station after that point to make sure I was fueling enough. Altered water and Gatorade at each station. Also took a banana, pretzels, or a gel at each station. The hills on the north side put a hurting on my quads. Caused me to slow down a bit more.

Missed 3 weeks of run training, plus several other runs due to injury. Having hit a couple more long runs would have helped.

Walked through chute with my finish line catcher who was awesome. Grabbed some pizza and Little Debbie and met my girlfriend at the exit. Just hung out for a bit while I ate, then grabbed my bike and gear and headed back to the car


Psoriatic arthritis that I was diagnosed with officially 3 weeks prior to the race.


For a 1st year race, this was amazing. Loved the course and the volunteers where fantastic.