5 years in row I keep coming to this race, Ironman Florida, the only race I am doing over and over again. And I don't really know what it is: is it the race or the place or the good time I always have in Panama City...., probably all together. This year was a little bit different. First of all I never was there while it's raining and it rained so heavily that we couldn't enjoy the sunsets. Second of all I didn't have my support crew :(, who came with me to Panama City for the last 4 years. After rain stopped showering, the weather temperature dropped to 36-40 degrees, but sun came out and the town started to get it's color back.
The race day weather wasn't very different, maybe a few degrees less and no strong wind like the day before. I thought if I manage to stay warm on the bike I'll do well at this race. Two second places previous years gave me a confidence.
Swim: the water was choppy but nice and warm and I thought during the swim that it probably last time when I feel warm today and it was true. I came out of the water with Erika, which was a good sign for me... I could keep an eye on her on the bike. She is strong cyclist and very strong runner. But I spent so much time it T1 when I absolutely lost her.
Bike: It was cold and windy. The course was different than previous years, more highway rides. I managed to stay more or less warm and finished the bike on 6th position, which is not bad for me as I usually catch girls on the run. Not this time though.
Run: I started to run and I felt like I am running fast. I guess I had a high cadence, but I didn't move very fast. I have a good explanation why my run wasn't strong in november, but who is interested in excuses? I'll just say that there is a lot to work on for the next year.
Another top 5 Ironman finish. And in spite of a fact that it was a long season and I am pretty tired right now I am all fired up and looking forward for the next season. But first of all I have to rest well. Good vacation is a first step for the good season.
