First 1/2 Ironman!

Pre Race-

Arrived at the Mauna Lani on the Sunday before the race. Spent the week getting used to the heat and humidity. I ran twice during the week, less then 5 miles each time. I also worked out in the gym once. Just light stuff. We stayed in a condo so we could control our food pretty well. I also swam the swim portion 4 times during the week since it was my biggest concern.

The Swim- 46:13 - 1.2 miles

I do not trust my swimming so I started at the back of the pack. I ran into a lot of people pretty quick, just tried to stay calm. Since this was not a wave start the first buoy was a joke. Scary. Dead stop for maybe 2 minutes. My breathing always bothers me about 500 m into the swim. I feel much better after my heart rate get's up. But I was close to calling it a day. I could not get control. After the third buoy, I relaxed and was able to bi-lateral breath plus one breath on the right. The rest was cake.

The Bike- 2:41:36 - 56 miles

Never left big ring. I was going much faster then I planned. But I figured what the hell, hammer the bike. The hill up to Honu was my only tough part. I was so happy to be out of the water! I was going so fast and the wind so bad, I did not eat anything. Just did not feel like it. Paid for it later. Only drank 2 of my 4 bottles.

The Run- 2:19:10 - 13.1 miles

Well, I never cramp. I was beginning to think I could not cramp. I never really knew what it felt like. Boy did I learn in the first 5 miles. Each leg took a turn. Each muscle group took a turn. I had to walk a bit, and throught the aid stations. 1 bathroom break because I was very bloated. I'm a better runner, but not this day.

Total: 5:54:31 - 70.3

Overall great first half Ironman.  I'm happy.   

More information here:
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=118450&posts=1&start=1