Event	Time	Pace	Standing (AG)	Standing (OA)
Swim	1:10:54	1:52/100m	181/323	802/1751
T1	8:15
Bike	6:49:20	16.4mph	252/323	1178/1751
T2	8:48
Run	5:59:47	13:44/mile	274/323	1376/1751
Total	14:17:02		258/323	1243/1751

My swim was as expected, as I estimated a 1:10 split and was within a minute of that time. In hindsight, I probably took the first lap of the bike too fast (3:10) and then crumbled a bit both physically and psychologically on the second lap (3:39). By the end of the bike I had some wicked GI problems (diarrhea) and I believe I hit every port-a-potty on the way to a barely sub-6 hour run. Although this was my slowest IM ever, it is the one I am most proud of. I really felt like bailing after the bike when things weren't going as planned but I gutted it out and got that free t-shirt and medal.

Novella Version:

Preparation

As this was my third Ironman, I figured this was finally my turn to "race" an Ironman. That didn't necessarily mean racing side-by-side with Ryan Bolton, but that I had the experience to expertly monitor my situation and make quick decisions to avoid any collapses (mental or physical). Lack of collapses = steady effort = best time. I also felt I had a very solid and well-rehearsed nutrition plan which is essential to Ironman success.

After recovering from my pneumothorax surgery in November, 2001, I began a periodized schedule designed by my fantastic coach Gordo Byrn to peak me for Ironman USA in 2002. My training was fairly consistent with a peak week totalling 17h39m 7 weeks prior to the event. For those interested in total training distances, from November 2001 to race date, I did the following total mileage:

	Total
Swim	214 km
Bike	4594 km
Run	835 km

My training plan focussed on weights and swimming over the off-season, then switched to more race-specific training in the spring with more of a bike strength and endurance focus. The longest single-sport distances I did in training were 3600m (1.5 hours), 151.6km (5:10 hours), 22.5km (2 hours). In retrospect, I probably could have done with a few more longer rides and runs, but it's a moot point. I did a few races in my preparations (see my results page for more info) with the longest being the Muskoka triathlon (2km/55km/15km). I was very satisfied with my physical and mental preparation, and was quietly confident that a PR was well within reach as I entered my two week taper.

Race Week >>