Ironman Florida

IMFLA 2007

Report by Michael Perlberg

Swim (2.4 miles) - 57:16
T1 -2:59
Bike (112 miles) 5:01:58 (22.25mph)
T2 - 2:15
Run - 3:39:50 (8:23 per mile)

I have done dozens of triathlons, including 4 half ironman distance races, and all I can say is that this is a totally different beast. The race went pretty smoothly, until towards the end of the bike where I realized my stomach was cramping pretty severely and I was having a hard time digesting calories. This, obviously, became a problem on the run. My legs felt great and I was running strong for the first 6 or 7 miles, but I got kinda sick which was problematic. Every time I tried to eat something, I, well, couldn't eat it.

My pace slowed considerably and I had to go into damage control mode just to finish. The last 6.5 miles I realized if I held sub 9 minute pace I would be able to get under 9:45 (my secret goal). I managed to do it with 40 seconds to spare. I thought I would get all emotional after the finish but I didn't. I thought I was ok, got some food, and sat down. At this point, my body went kinda crazy, legs and back started spasming, and I started to get really cold and was visibly shaking and shivering.

Luckily, a volunteer came over (an old guy from Jackson Mississippi) and talked to me, got me food and coffee, and some of those emergency blankets and wrapped me up in them. He got me to walk, found me my dry clothes bag, and took me over to the massage tent. Anyway, I’m glad my mom wasn't there to see that because she would have freaked out.

Right now, everything that can be sore is sore. I actually couldn't even sleep last night for more than 20 minutes in a row without waking up in discomfort. Ugh, you'd think I’d get a good night's sleep. I'm heading over to the roll down for Kona slots, but it is unlikely at 4th place I will get one. Right now, I’m looking forward to a winter full of beer and pizza.