Iron Man NC 2027 The Beginning

As a few of my regular followers know, when I turned 40, I started doing triathlons with my sister. She was a great training partner. We started with sprints, and did a few international distances. We also did a fair number of marathons (qualifying for marathon maniacs, albeit at the lowest tier) and graduated into the iron distances, where we did a family relay for Bone Island half iron distance; Iron Man New Orleans 70.3, Beach to Battleship half iron, relayed Iron Man Raleigh 70.3, IM NC 2016 (somewhat shortened bike course from hurricane), and I got a DNF for the Full Booty Crystal Coast Iron distance (pulled after 13.1 miles in run because of cut-off).

Part of my renewed commitment to me was a pledge to come back to triathlons and attempt another Iron Man. Earlier in 2026, I ran a half marathon on my own; swam 1.5 miles; and have been hitting the stationary bike - am up to about 45 miles. Add some bike miles and put them together and you have a half Iron.

So, I am targeting as my first alpha race IM NC 2027. They only offer a half at this location these days, and it is way off in October, but it is a known course, relatively close, and I think doable.

Today, I finally got back on a real bike and out on the greenway. I had been doing some prep work - new shoes, new cleats to work with my power meter pedals, a new computer that talked to my pedals. But I thought I was finally ready to hit the greenway. Today (10/31/26) was the day. I got up early as I am prone to doing and prepped. Laid out the kit, loaded the van, got the bike and the pump, and set out. I thought I was ready. Gatorade in the bottles, a belt to hold the bottles, extra aquafor, glasses, helmet, bike socks, a change of clothes for when I was done, computer charged and attached to the bike. Driving with the new Nickelback playing - almost to trail head and it hit me. I forgot the shoes. I was wearing crocs. WTF.

I was not going to turn around and drive 40 minutes to get my shoes, turn around again and come back. So, I committed to trying to bike in crocs....without socks.

I put in 10 miles. It was good to be back on the greenway. It has gotten older and shows some age, but it is still a nice ride. Some color on the trees. The trail feels narrower than I remember, and it has more tree roots creating buckles in the paving, but again, still a good ride.

While I remember lip googie (something I did not on my very first ride back in Feb 2014), the lack of shoes was telling. Crocs for biking - do not recommend. Also 57 for biking is colder than 57 for running. If it is sub 60 I need to wear a long sleeve shirt. I can probably still use shorts, but shirt needs to be more substantial. Glasses are not optional - wind makes your eyes water. I had forgotten that. I am not sure my computer was working correctly. I don't think so. I could see speed, but no cumulative distance. So, will need to fiddle with that some. Need to reacquaint myself with curves and turns at moderate speed. Time away from bike meant that I made the turns like an old man.

But, it was a step forward on this path. A big mental hurdle overcome. Shoes are a simple fix. Computer will get figured out. I think I just did not press start ever. But that will get done. And I can start using my power meter.