The VikingMan Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

My goggles fogged b/c we had to wait so long for the start (timing guy's computer wasn't working). So I couldn't see much. In the beginning I think I was near the front of the pack; the current made it nice. The cold didn't effect me too much.

Break in my new goggles sooner so I can use them in the race w/out worrying they'll leak. Try to stay with the pack a little better - I drifted toward shore more than they did - may have been a slower current where I was.

It was probably a 200 yard run on a sand path to T1. They had kiddie pools to rinse feet. Also had wetsuit strippers - very nice. Had issues getting my arm warmers & gloves on. Could definitely do it faster...

Practice while wet.

I didn't mind the rain, but the wind made it tough. I'm also used to passing people on the bike, but more passed me this time (may have been some in the olympic race). Energy was ok, but toward the end my body wasn't liking me too much.

Wear thinner socks & shoe covers - my feet went numb in cold, soaked socks. Start w/ water bottle half full & refill at the aid station (didn't need as much H2O in the cold weather).

My feet were totally numb. Changed into dry socks. Loaded jersey w/ gels. Had to pee - added :45.

Drank too much on bike? Try to avoid having to pee.

Didn't take my gel soon enough before T2, so I had a lot of gas pain to start the run. Body adjusted to running after a couple miles. By mile 3 or 4 I could feel my feet again. Didn't take long for my knee to start aching - quickly followed by my hips b/c of how my knee made me run. Took roctane every :30 & 3 Endurolytes every hour. Was pretty much alone for the first half, then traded pacing w/ another guy for several miles. The last 2/3 of the run was really tough - pushing through the pain.

Practice w/ hammer gels - if they're as effective as Roctane I would've used them at the aid stations rather than packing them all for the whole run - they were bouncing around like crazy in my jersey. Not much I could do about an injured knee, but that made it tough.

Too much pain to walk much. Got some chocolate milk, recoverite, water, food. Congratulated a few racers & celebrated w/ my wife, son, & mother-in-law. Changed, sat & waited for a free massage.


Weather (wind), knee/hip pain, GI issues after T2, fogged goggles


I was VERY impressed with the organization & race directors & volunteers. There were even helpful pre-race e-mails and a free Hammer Nutrition seminar. There was a great spirit among the organizers and racers. The course was great. Weather was rough & it impacted the run course, but they can't control that - it was perfect weather for a week before the race. Only complaint would be that the timing guy didn't seem too on top of things. What would make it a "5"? More racers, smoother run course, better weather.