Yesterday was my first ever half-iron distance race in Macon, GA. I would like to say it was fun but it wasn't. It was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. What made it so hard was the weather. Hot (90 degrees), humid, no clouds, no shade and hilly.

Now for the rest of the story.....

The day started at 4:25 when I woke up. The alarm was set for 5:00 but I guess I was nervous and woke up early. After a very restless night I tried to go back to sleep but no way. I had some coffee and a bagel and slowly got ready for the big day. After getting dressed I headed out the door.

I knew it was going to be a killer of a weather day when I opened my hotel room door, felt the humidity and heard the cicadas making their classic noise.

Arriving at the park around 6:00 (I like to get their early), I set up my transition area. It looked like I didn't forget anything so the morning was looking good. After walking around, talking to the other racers and getting my bearings for the different exits, I was ready to head down to the beach. I lathered up with a ton of sunscreen (the sun was going to be brutal on the bike).

The swim started out great. Water temp was 77.5 so we could wear wetsuits...yeah! Crowded as usual at the start but generally a smooth start. Kicked and punched a few times but the goggles stayed on and I was able to work my way out to the side of the main gaggle. 37 minutes later I exited the water and headed to T1. It was a long uphill climb but I tried to relax and keep my heart rate under control.

T1 was a little slow but I wanted to relax and exit feeling good for the long bike. It was a little crowded on the exit, which was actually good, because it made me walk for a bit. Mounted up and pedaling I was off. I had a little trouble getting my left shoe on but no big deal.

I really felt great the whole 56 mile course. Rolling hills and a little breezy made the ride rather enjoyable. However, the sun was beating down and there were no clouds so I was worried if my sunscreen was going to last. It didn't....I'm as red as a lobster on my lower back and shoulders. About ten miles shy of T2 I started to feel the heat. It was very uncomfortable and I was really sweating. Coming into T2 at 2:53, I got off my bike and WHAM...my legs were shot! I racked my bike, grabbed my sunscreen and started to run...slowly.

The run did not start good!!! It was 90 degrees and humid. I lasted about a mile and a half before I had to walk. I just couldn't believe how badly I was feeling. My nutrition was good but my whole body was shot. From my neck and shoulders down to my legs were in very uncomfortable pain. I was thinking to myself how long it's going to take me to walk 13.1 miles. Well, I decided to change tactics. I went back to the basics. I ran 4 minutes, then walked 1 minute, for the rest of the run. There were aid stations every mile, thank God, so I hydrated and drank plenty of Heed. The run looked like a war zone! Half of the runners were walking or staggering. A lot of us were wearing the wet blue towels, provided at the water stations, under our hats and draped around our shoulders. Sirens were wailing from time to time, I assume, for those runners afflicted with heat exaustion. In the end I ran, if you can call it that, across the finish line in 6:04. A 2 hour and 35 minute half marathon! Unbelieveable!!!!

Overall the race was put an well. No major complaints except for the heat. The race director has no control over Mother Nature!