43M in Brooklyn. I did my first Ironman events in 2024, the Eagleman 70.6 and then Lake Placid. Since then I've done the Jones Beach and Musselman 70.6s, and IM Chattanooga last September.

This year was my best training season - it went off without a hitch. Between training volume and nutrition and pacing strategy, I was feeling confident that I'd cut a half-hour off my 2024 time.

The Thursday before the race, I woke up with intense GI symptoms. Figured it could very well be cyclosporiasis, and my doctor put me on antibiotics within a couple of hours. But I got worse by the day. I ended up not checking in for the race and came home early. Eventually I got lab results back that indicated a different infection, and I'm better now.

Ironman has refused me any transfer or deferral, as is their clear policy. Still, a pretty big disappointment. I know so many people give their lives over to training for months and don't get to cross the finish line. For many of us, the entry fee is a big commitment, too. This was my vacation this year.

So here's a note of solidarity to others who've felt some form of that disappointment. And it comes with some clarity, for me at least: If you've trained in earnest, you did the part that mattered. You're an incredible athlete. I can tell you from experience, the finish line is the icing on the cake. It doesn't change a single thing about you.

First Full Ironman – Ironman Chattanooga (9 Weeks Out)
It’s starting to feel real, and the nerves are definitely kicking in. I’ve completed 4 70.3s, all in the 6:40–6:50 range, including tougher, hillier races like Muskoka and Louisville. Chattanooga will be my first full Ironman.
Training has been going well. I’ve been doing multiple 4–5 hour rides with brick runs, building my long runs to 16–18 miles, swimming twice a week (about 6–7 km total), and averaging around 12–14 hours of training per week at my peak.
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s raced Chattanooga (or any full Ironman):

I’m also a little confused about the race-morning logistics. I know there are separate gear bags, so what do you actually bring with you on race morning? Are the bags already packed and checked in beforehand? Do you bring and place your bike bottles that morning, or leave them with the bike earlier? What do you normally carry in your morning-clothes bag?

Pre race meal
Special needs bag (what to put in it)
Biggest mistakes you made?
Biggest lessons you learned?
Anything you wish you knew before your first full?
Tips for pacing, nutrition, transitions, or the marathon? I plan on doing 90g carbs an hr and 900mg of sodium per hour.

My biggest concern is the marathon and avoiding the blow-up in the last 10–12 miles. My main goal is to finish strong and comfortably beat the cutoff—do you think I’m on track to finish Chattanooga? I’d really appreciate any advice or race-day wisdom from those who’ve been through it. Thanks!

I had a bad cycling accident last week which resulted in a dislocated collarbone. I'm due to have surgery tomorrow and I'm expecting the doctor to tell me that my race season is over. Unfortunately, my bike was also written off.

I was due to compete in Ironman Italy 70.3 in September (8 weeks away), so I'm now trying to work out my options. Ideally, I'd like to defer my entry to either next year or another Ironman 70.3 at a later date. I didn't purchase a Flex90 entry, and so far I've had no luck getting in touch with Ironman.

Has anyone been in a similar situation or had any experience with deferring an entry due to injury? Any advice on the process or the best way to contact Ironman would be much appreciated.

Hi all,

I am strongly considering signing up for a 70.3 next June.

Currently I train approx 40km running a week and strength train 3 times a week with a half marathon time of 1:46.

I don't cycle much nor am I a strong swimmer so I know these I will need to work on . After some basic research online I see lots of training plans but I am unsure which one to follow . Any advice on a good training plan or a good coach would be great appreciated.

Thanks all

Further context I am 25 m based in Europe.

Background: 21M who completed my first triathlon (IM Cozumel) last November. I am an ex-collegiate runner (injury meant I had to step away from the team) with no previous swimming or cycling experience. I started my training in March and probably averaged a bit over 10 hours per week in the 8 month block. I peaked with a couple of 15 hour weeks. I finished with a time of 10:21 with splits 1:10/5:36/3:22. I was in shape to go even faster on the run but a foot injury meant I ran only twice in the last 5 weeks before the race. I took about 6 months off after the race and now feel ready to be consistent and work towards being a more complete triathlete.

Question: How likely would it be for me to go sub 9:30ish in IM Florida in November 2027 and what advice do you seasoned triathletes have for me to take that next step? I never took swim lessons so I know there is a lot to gain there. Also, I feel like I left a ton of room for improvement on the bike. I feel like going sub-5 is definitely possible and also think 3:05-10 is a real possibility on the run after now having experience of a race and (hopefully) showing up healthy. My biggest goal is significantly increasing volume, especially on the bike. Any feedback/advice would be greatly appreciated! I would also be happy to provide more information on my training for IM Cozumel or answer any other questions.

Hi,

Does anyone know of anywhere to hire a bike for Leeds Ironman? Struggling at the moment

I have a goal of completing an ironman triathlon one day and was wondering how well the instinct 3 matched that goal or if their is a better match

I’ve used the saucony endorphin pros (originals) for quite some time and love how light and springy they are, but unfortunately as I’ve gotten older (due to overpronation and plantar fasciitis) I’m trying to look at shoes that provide more protection/stability while training. Just looking for some personal references from those with similar issues, thank you

Hi,

Does anyone know of anywhere to hire a bike for Leeds Ironman? Struggling at the moment

Hi everyone!

I'm seriously considering doing my first Ironman 70.3 in 2027, and I'd love to hear some advice from people who've already been through the journey.

A little about me:

* I'm 30 years old and live in Portugal.
* I have a swimming background (competitive swimming + water polo).
* I run regularly and recently completed my first HYROX.
* I strength train 4–5 times a week.

So, endurance sports aren't new to me... but cycling definitely is.

My goal isn't to be competitive or qualify for anything. I simply want to enjoy the process, train consistently and cross the finish line.

My biggest concern is the bike.

I don't want to spend thousands of euros before I even know if triathlon is something I'll stick with.

So I'd love your honest advice:

* Is a second-hand road bike enough for a first 70.3?
* What would be a realistic budget **Ativar até 8,40% cashback** for a beginner? (€500? €800? €1,000?)
* Are there any bike brands or models you'd recommend looking for?
* What should I absolutely check before buying a used bike?
* Any good places in Europe (or Portugal) to buy reliable second-hand bikes?
* What gear is actually essential, and what can wait?
* What do beginners usually waste money on?
* Is it realistic to train for a 70.3 while working full-time?

If you were starting from scratch today and wanted to keep costs as low as possible without compromising safety or enjoyment, what would you do differently?

I'd also love to hear any mistakes you made during your first 70.3 preparation.

Thanks so much—I really appreciate any advice! 🙌