Before Swim T1 Bike T2 Run After Thanks Results Conclusion


Results
Swim: 1:25:56 (2:16/100m)
T1: 10:00
Bike: 7:58:13 (14.1 mph)
T2: 6:16
Run: 5:11:18 (11:53/mile)

The swim and bike were about the same pace as my swim and bike at Vineman, but over twice the distance and in much more challenging conditions. My run was significantly faster than my run at Vineman, and twice the distance. In fact, if you count the run as a stand-alone marathon, I've now done three marathons, and this one at CdA is my second fastest. :)

I made a lot of rookie mistakes, especially with my nutrition, transitions and special needs. I could shave several minutes off those things without getting any faster at any sport. But that's the kind of thing you learn in your first Ironman, I guess.

I think I did a lot of things right, but I also think I got very lucky. I just had a good day. A really, really good day. I had a blast out there. So many things went right, and I never hit a really low point. I had a couple valleys, but they were brief and I bounced right back.

Will I do another? If you had asked me before the swim that morning, I would have said no way. During the middle of the bike? No way. During the run? Hrm. I'm not sure. I might have warmed to the idea more at that point. But still probably not. After I crossed the finish line? I think I was too tired to even entertain the thought. The next morning? Well, I DID have to consider it then, because registration for CdA 2008 opened that next morning. And we decided we weren't going to do it. I'm not sure whether or not we'll do another Ironman next year, but it won't be CdA. I have nothing to compare the CdA course to, but I found it very difficult, and would like to try out another course before coming back to try CdA again. I'm also nervous because I know that my day was uncharacteristically good. I don't think it's normal to feel so good throughout an entire Ironman, and maybe I won't be so lucky next time. Could I endure all of that time and effort while also dealing with a day of nausea or vomiting or other physical or even emotional problems? I really have no idea, but it's an intimidating thought.

But you only get one first Ironman. I couldn't be any happier with my first Ironman.

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