Ironman Arizona - TriathlonFull Ironman

Like I said above, I was very nervous about the swim. I came 4 days early just so I can swim 3 days beforehand when they opened up Tempe Town Lake for the pre-swims.

I took two dramamine, ginger, and used earplugs as usual. I felt a little sick but not as bad as Silverman as the waves were not that choppy.

For me, I swam well.

Nothing. This was a good swim for me.

I remember everyone say to get use the wetsuit strippers and that's what I did. The good thing about coming in so late in the swim was that there were alot of "open" strippers. Two of them helped me get it off and I really appreciated it.

I was a little disorientated and didn't even remove my swim cap and goggles yet but they helped me with that too.

Again, the tent was pretty empty at this time. The majority of the people were in front of me.

A couple of mistakes I made: I had bike shorts in the bag but forgot to use it. I paid for that later. I also had gloves and forgot to use them. Paid for it.

I just walked the transition and took my time. I was still a little tired from the swim.

Take my time and do follow the game plan. Don't rush...what's an extra 5 minutes to ensure I'm prepared for the ride.

I was to make up most of my time on the bike. In training, I would average close to 17-18mph for a good 80+ miles. That's not great for most people but for me, that's way better than my 14.9mph yesterday.

Going out on each loop, you were hitting over 20mph. Coming back I was averaging a tad under 10mph. We had to do it three times and during the second loop, I was finished. Nothing in the tank. Nada. I drank and used GU and all that, but it didn't help.

On the second loop to the end of the night, I was in SURVIVAL mode. I was starting to worry I wouldn't make the bike cutoff, then the run cutoffs. I was doing the math and calculating my times as I was really worried. I had a profile design water bottle and carried one bottle on the bike and one in the jersey. At this point, I threw the aero bottle away and just carried one bottle to save any weight as possible. I know it's minimal but it worked a little physchologically.

The second loop was the first time I really doubted I would make it.

Train in the conditions of the race. Go on training rides that are closer to 100 miles. The longest one was 80 and that's the only one I did close to that length.

We couldn't leave the shoes on the bike nor jump off or run with the bike, so I put below average. The only reason I put good for racking is they racked it for me.

Not much to say here. I felt like crap. My butt and crotch was sore as I forgot to change into my bike shorts for the extra padding.

I applied extra blistershield "down" there but it was too late as it stun like crazy. I did apply it to the nipples too. I remembered that one.

Nothing.

I walked the whole run. After the bike, my left calf was very sore and my right "behind the knee" was also sore. I didn't walk to hurt myself more and I knew if I walked it, I would still make the cutoff time.

This was the longest fastest walk I've ever done. The good thing is, there are many people doing the same thing. I met quite a few people and heard many stories. It was an interesting experience.

Here's the bad. For some reason, since I've ended up with bad blisters on both feet. I just ran the LA marathon and didn't get one blister. Not one problem. But walking 26.2 miles...I get blisters on both feet in several places. The wierdest thing.

I was lucky to put a jacket in the special needs as it was getting cold. Oh, and the chicken broth is the bomb.

Walk in pratice more.

None. I could barely walk. I just walked to get the hotel.


Lack of training.


I recommend this race to anyone wanting to try an ironman. Great course, great volunteers and great participants to chat with you on the run ;)