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[pony_trekker]

Originally posted by Did you just call me Coltrane?
Not...great, but at least I didn't get a flat tire or have my goggles knocked off. I have to give Penske credit - a full Ironman must be unbelievably difficult. I finished almost a 1/2 hour slower than I expected, and didn't fly through the run like I thought I would.

The swim was going...swimmingly, until, with about 300 yards to go, my right calf cramped/seized up. It was literally stuck in extension (toes pointed down). I couldn't unflex it (even when I tried to force it with my hands). It felt like someone stabbed me with a knife. It took me about 2 minutes to manipulate the muscle to the point where I could handle the pain, and then I swam in w/out kicking. I probably lost 3 minutes b/c of it (and likely would have finished in the top 100 swimmers had I continued at my pace prior to the cramp).

At mile 18 on the bike, my back started killing me. I usually don't get any back soreness until approx. 45-50 miles, so I don't know what caused it. I could only stay aero for about 60% of the ride, and I frequently had to get out of the saddle to stretch. I had trained at this distance (56 miles) numerous times and usually stayed aero 90% of those times. I don't know why my back acted up.

By the time I got to the run (13.1 miles), I just wanted to get it over with, so I took it easy.

I finished near the top quarter of all racers, but was expecting much better results.

I learned my lesson. I should have attempted a shorter distance tri before going for the half Iron. 4 months of biking wasn't nearly enough to get me in shape for the bike leg, which was by far my worst leg. I was passed often on the bike, and I noticed that most of the people passing me had those huge, diamond-shaped calves, which I definitely don't have. I need work on the bike.

He must be masquerading as a lawyer. I am a PI lawyer who works reasonable hours and I don't even have time to drive through the course let alone train.