Ironman Arizona - Triathlon

Was by far the most congested start I've been in. 2700+ bodies flailing around. Got elbowed in the nose about 5 minutes in and thought it was broken. Rolled over on my back and checked to see it was still attached. Not bleeding, but made quite a "crunch." Turned out it didn't even bruise. Also got punched in the side of the head 4 or 5 times by the same girl.

I swim with the grace of a cinder block, and was hoping to be out of the water in 1:40. Surprised myself by getting out in 1:27. Normally I have to fight mild panic attacks and breathing issues, but felt pretty comfortable this time. Tried to find someone to draft off of, but with visibility about 20 inches and my slow pace...was not very successful.

Probably started too far forward. This led to me getting swum over by a number of people. Also, move away from the aforementioned girl before getting hit again.

Vowed to take my time and methodically check that I had everything. Wetsuit strippers were very helpful. Looong run from water to gear bags. Elected to skip the change tent and used a chair outside. Glad I did....very hot and crowded in the tent. Had bike bib shorts on under wetsuit, so no one was subjected to any nudity.

I'd do the same routine, but try to speed it up a bit.

I knew I needed to eat a buffet on the bike, and felt I did a pretty good job of it. GU, fig newtons, Larabar, beef jerky, Endurolytes, almonds, glucose tablets and Powerade.

Drink more water to go along with the Powerade and Perform. Got dehydrated and that would haunt me on the run.

Volunteer took and racked my bike. Thanks!

Trying to run right off the bike was......interesting. Decided I should walk before I fell over in front of all those cheering spectators.

Again, was methodical in changing. Went in the tent this time, as I completely changed attire.

Probably could have shaved a minute off my time by letting the volunteer help more, but needed the time to contemplate what lay ahead.

So, guess I wouldn't change much. After all, I'm not shooting for the podium here.

I knew I was in trouble when I stepped off the bike. Don't get me wrong....under the best of circumstances I'm as slow as Christmas, but both hamstrings were very (very) tight and my stomach was flip-flopping like crazy. Walked most of the first 2 miles just trying to get everything to settle down a bit. Doing the math in my head I knew I could plod along at 15 minute miles and beat my goal time.

I spent most of the "run" counting steps. I'd jog 500 steps, walk a couple hundred...repeat. Hamstrings stayed tight the whole way and calves started spasming/cramping at mile 12. Was able to keep that under control as long as I didn't overdo the jog segments. Feet started killing me at mile 15 in spite of popping Aleve like tic-tacs for the previous 8 hours.

Kept putting one foot in front of the other until the finish was within earshot. Tried to run the last 500 yards or so because there were so many enthusiastic spectators urging us on. Calves were in constant cramp mode at this point so I'm sure any video of my finsh would look pathetic. But, I high-fived the crowd and generally acted silly coming down the chute.........just like you're supposed to!

Thank more volunteers. At the time I felt I was saying "thanks" constantly, but looking back I know I could have done more. The volunteers here are AWESOME! Thank you SO MUCH for helping to make this experience even more memorable.

Savor the finish more. Soak up the atmosphere. Be an idiot down the chute....we earned it and the crowd will forgive you for it. Also, I would have listened closer.....I don't remember Mike Reilly calling my name and those four words I worked a year to hear.

Tried to keep moving a bit. Got my picture taken, leaned on a couple volunteers, had a slice of pizza. Talked to family and friends before walking (slowly) back to hotel.


Dehydration. Age. Fitness level. The usual.


I had a great time! I think I'm a one-and-done age-grouper, but you never know.......