Ironman Florida - 9:31 (80 min PR) – Purple Patch Fitness

In my second full Ironman, I hit an 80 minute PR going from 10:51 in 2017 (IM Texas) to 9:31 in 2019 (IM Florida). My swim was 1:05, which was faster than double my previous 70.3 swim PR. Sure, the wetsuit helped, but being very comfortable sighting and swimming straight helped so much. It was a great two loops in the gulf of Panama City. I’d love to break an hour, so the swim focus this winter will be strong and deliberate. The bike went well at 4:55. I had two goals: be hydrated and fueled for the run, and hold 220-230 watts. I succeed on the first part, but was only at 213 watts NP (205 avg). I probably went about 10 minutes slower because of less power. At the time I was riding, I was overly cautious about pushing too hard and blowing up on the run. However, I felt so good on the run that I think I could have definitely done a few more watts. The run went very well at 3:20. I ran a 2:56 at The Boston marathon earlier this year (and I think I can do a 2:50 on a flat course), so targeting a 3:15 seemed ambitious but achievable. I slowed myself down and listened to the 180bpm metronome on my watch the entire first half at 7:30 per mile pace. I made a friend and ran side by side with him for the first 16 miles - which helped a ton psychologically. The first half felt great, but then about mile 16 through 20 I felt pretty yuck. I hadn’t taken in enough salt or calories. I replenished both, and felt better by mile 22, accelerating back to my 7:30 pace for the last 4 miles. Only 5 minutes off my goal, I was very happy with 3:20. Overall with 9:31, I’m very happy with my progress. My stretch goal was 9:15, which I could have hit with a bit more power on the bike and better fueling on the run. Somewhat discouraging was how fast I need to go to secure a Kona spot. There were two spots in the 30-34 age group, and both went to athletes going under 9 hours. So that’s the new goal - sub-9, potentially at IM Maryland (with all the Kona qualified folks busy prepping for Kona). Sure- I have to drop 30 more minutes, but I’ve already dropped 80, so I’m confident I can get there within the next couple years.

Lonniecadams

November 13, 2019 13:13

That is amazing, and great run. I was looking at the times and the paces people are going at now are amazing. Sub 9 gets you to Kona. Those are well at our my wheelhouse, but I am excited to hear more race reports and some more deets on your training. Congrats on the PR!

Alex Fuller

November 13, 2019 14:35

Thanks Lonnie! Training has been 12-16 hours a week, mostly following the Fast Track Triathlete book, and then joining the PP squad about 5 months ago.

Purple Patch

November 13, 2019 20:27

Alex,

Amazing finish per usual! Way to go. You are on a roll. & what is a measly 30 min PR when you knocked out an 80 min PR? Haha! We are so proud of your accomplishment and love that you shared with us all. Onwards and upwards.

Liz & the Purple Patch Team

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