I was able to complete my first full Ironman this past weekend. I thought I would share my experience for others that may be attempting their first full.
Training
I started out religiously following the training plan on the Ironman website (and even over doing it at times). However, my training really tapered off in the past 2 months leading up to the race. I had done one half marathon 6 months prior to the race but other than that had only run 10 miles at my longest. Going into the race, my calves and knees were sore from a long run 2 weeks before. I ended up using KT tape which seemed to help.
Race
Swim
I felt good on the swim due to completing multiple open water swims prior to race day. The water was perfect temp and super clear. I was able to swim without having to sight by just looking for swimmers underwater. I was able to see swimmers nearby thanks to the clarity. Normally I swim to the far right to avoid battling other swimmers. The first 1/4 of the swim I was on the right all by myself. As I was feeling good, I decided to move inwards for the rest of the swim. I did get kicked a few times but felt pretty good.
Bike
I rented a QR bike for this race. I normally ride a road bike so it was an adjustment to using a tri-specific bike. There were two 65-mile laps. The first lap went well although there were lots of long climbs. The second lap was...hell. One of the worst headwinds I had ever ridden in popped up. So not only were we climbing and climbing, but we were riding at a snail's pace due to the wind. What would have normally taken me 5.5 - 6 hours took me over 7 hours.
On the decent back, I was pushing the pace. I had a speed wobble at one section that scared me to death. I was riding 43 mph at the time when a gust of wind came by and lifted my front tire. Then the handlebar started shaking left and right. I was in the bars but was able to get one hand on the brake to slow down. The next rider I passed had the same thing happen to her in that section. This made me slow down my descents.
Run
Ugh, the run. I had been dreading this and was worried if I would be able to complete. As I came off the bike, I had no energy. My original plan was to run/walk. However, on the first of 3 laps, I found myself walking more than running. Anytime I started to run, I started getting pain in my legs. Rather than risk pulling a muscle and not completing, I decided to power walk as fast as I could. Most of the other participants were running most of the first lap but by the second lap, almost everyone was walking. Those that were running were going slow enough that I could almost keep up with my walk. It was a long miserable walk but it helped that my family had shown up to surprise me. This motivated me to carry on. The finish chute was awesome, especially since I wasn't even sure I was going to be able to finish this event.
After-thoughts
I was sore but not as sore as when I did my first marathon. It's been 4 days and I can mostly walk without pain and the blisters have healed. I am glad I set the goal to finish the full but have no desire to keep going. I look at this as my final challenge in the sport of triathlon. I'm looking forward now to not having to stress about workouts and be able to spend more time with the family.
Training
I started out religiously following the training plan on the Ironman website (and even over doing it at times). However, my training really tapered off in the past 2 months leading up to the race. I had done one half marathon 6 months prior to the race but other than that had only run 10 miles at my longest. Going into the race, my calves and knees were sore from a long run 2 weeks before. I ended up using KT tape which seemed to help.
Race
Swim
I felt good on the swim due to completing multiple open water swims prior to race day. The water was perfect temp and super clear. I was able to swim without having to sight by just looking for swimmers underwater. I was able to see swimmers nearby thanks to the clarity. Normally I swim to the far right to avoid battling other swimmers. The first 1/4 of the swim I was on the right all by myself. As I was feeling good, I decided to move inwards for the rest of the swim. I did get kicked a few times but felt pretty good.
Bike
I rented a QR bike for this race. I normally ride a road bike so it was an adjustment to using a tri-specific bike. There were two 65-mile laps. The first lap went well although there were lots of long climbs. The second lap was...hell. One of the worst headwinds I had ever ridden in popped up. So not only were we climbing and climbing, but we were riding at a snail's pace due to the wind. What would have normally taken me 5.5 - 6 hours took me over 7 hours.
On the decent back, I was pushing the pace. I had a speed wobble at one section that scared me to death. I was riding 43 mph at the time when a gust of wind came by and lifted my front tire. Then the handlebar started shaking left and right. I was in the bars but was able to get one hand on the brake to slow down. The next rider I passed had the same thing happen to her in that section. This made me slow down my descents.
Run
Ugh, the run. I had been dreading this and was worried if I would be able to complete. As I came off the bike, I had no energy. My original plan was to run/walk. However, on the first of 3 laps, I found myself walking more than running. Anytime I started to run, I started getting pain in my legs. Rather than risk pulling a muscle and not completing, I decided to power walk as fast as I could. Most of the other participants were running most of the first lap but by the second lap, almost everyone was walking. Those that were running were going slow enough that I could almost keep up with my walk. It was a long miserable walk but it helped that my family had shown up to surprise me. This motivated me to carry on. The finish chute was awesome, especially since I wasn't even sure I was going to be able to finish this event.
After-thoughts
I was sore but not as sore as when I did my first marathon. It's been 4 days and I can mostly walk without pain and the blisters have healed. I am glad I set the goal to finish the full but have no desire to keep going. I look at this as my final challenge in the sport of triathlon. I'm looking forward now to not having to stress about workouts and be able to spend more time with the family.
