Ironman 70.3 + Family Vacation
Sunday, September 20, 2026Aaron: Kentucky → Cozumel (likely via Houston, Dallas, or Miami). Cozumel airport code is CZM. Alternatively, fly into Cancún (CUN) and take the ADO bus to Playa del Carmen + ferry to Cozumel (~1.5 hrs total, can be cheaper).
Carlos + family: San Luis Potosí → CZM (connecting via Mexico City or Cancún).
Alan + Moni + kids: Mexico City → CZM (direct flight, ~2 hrs).
Get settled, unpack, request adjacent rooms for the group. Cribs will be set up for the babies. Explore the resort and get familiar with restaurants, pool, gym, and beach.
First dinner together. Take advantage of the all-inclusive. Acclimate to the Caribbean heat. Go over the week's plan as a group.
Easy swim at the race swim start area (Chankanaab area). Get a feel for the current, visibility, and water temperature. Aaron — great chance to assess conditions and brief Carlos and Alan on race-day strategy.
Relaxed buffet breakfast at the resort.
Ride the first section of the bike course. Get familiar with the road surface, crosswinds on the east coast, and key turns. Keep it easy — 30–40 km max at conversational pace.
Walk along the malecón (waterfront promenade) in San Miguel, Cozumel's main town. Ice cream, local shops, laid-back Caribbean vibe. Very stroller-friendly.
20–30 min easy jog along the malecón. Loosen up the legs — last workout before race day. Nothing hard.
Head to the expo to pick up your race kit (bib number, timing chip, swim cap, transition bags). Bring a valid photo ID (passport required for Aaron). The expo is well-organized with assigned time slots. Browse vendor booths for last-minute gear.
Attend the mandatory race briefing where officials explain the course, rules, aid stations, penalties, and race-day logistics. Take notes — the wind advisory for the bike is critical.
Pasta, rice, bread — high-carb dinner for the athletes. Early night. Pack your gear bag for tomorrow.
Head south of town (Chankanaab area) for the final practice swim and to check your bike into transition. IMPORTANT: Disc wheels are NOT allowed at this race due to crosswinds — officials check at bike check-in. Make sure your bike is race-ready.
Organize T1 (swim-to-bike) and T2 (bike-to-run) bags. Set up nutrition on the bike. Aaron — this is a good time to do a final strategy review with Carlos and Alan: pacing, nutrition plan, heat management.
Stay hydrated, keep carb-loading, lay out race-morning clothes. Aim for lights out by 8–9 PM — the alarm goes off VERY early tomorrow.
Eat what you've practiced in training: oatmeal, banana, coffee. Nothing new on race day — ever.
Get to Chankanaab. Inflate tires, set up nutrition on the bike, check transition bags. Put on your swim skin/wetsuit. Find each other for a quick team photo before the start.
Open water swim in the Caribbean Sea. Crystal-clear water, favorable current. Rolling start reduces mass-start chaos. Water temp ~84°F — likely non-wetsuit legal.
1.3 loops around the island. Flat course but notorious crosswinds on the east coast. Stay aero, respect your nutrition plan, don't chase — stick to your power/heart rate targets.
The wives and babies have breakfast and head to the finish area near the Palacio Municipal (town hall) in downtown San Miguel. Stroller-accessible. Bring shade, water, and snacks for the little ones.
Half marathon: 2 loops along the malecón, the main plaza, and historic neighborhoods. The families can see you pass multiple times and cheer you on!
"Aaron Geiser… YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!" — Cross the finish line, get your medal, family photos. Pick up bike and gear from transition afterward.
Celebratory meal at the resort or a waterfront restaurant. Share race stories, toast the achievement, and enjoy some well-earned rest and food.
Slow morning. The athletes need it, and the babies set their own schedule anyway. No alarm, no rush.
Book sports massages at the Ikal Spa. If you're feeling adventurous, try the temazcal (a traditional Mayan steam lodge — incredible for recovery). Your legs will thank you.
Full relaxation mode. Pool with the babies, snorkeling from the beach, or just hammock time. You've earned it.
Ecological park at the southern tip of the island. Lighthouse, crocodile lagoons (safely distant), pristine beaches, and small Mayan ruins. You can rent a golf cart and explore at your own pace — very baby-friendly. Great for photos.
Stop at a beach bar on the east side (Coconuts or Mezcalito's). Fresh fish, ceviche, ocean views. Rustic, casual, very "island vibes."
Head back for baby nap time. Chill at the pool, grab drinks, enjoy the resort.
"El Cielo" (The Sky) is a shallow sandbar (~3 ft deep) with crystal-clear water and hundreds of starfish on the ocean floor. You get there by boat (~20 min). The water is calm enough that babies can sit on the boat or be held in the shallows. The adults can snorkel right there. It's the most Instagrammable spot in Cozumel.
Lunch in town. Options: La Cocay (contemporary Mexican), Guido's (excellent Italian), or Kondesa (fusion). All are family-friendly.
Browse shops along the waterfront. Last afternoon at the resort pool.
Last dinner together. A moment to thank Coach Aaron, celebrate the trip, and maybe start planning the next race challenge.
Early breakfast, pack up, and check out. Coordinate airport transfers based on each person's flight time.
Aaron: CZM → Kentucky (via Houston/Dallas/Miami). Consider booking the earliest flight to maximize connections.
Carlos + family: CZM → San Luis Potosí (connecting flight).
Alan + Moni + kids: CZM → Mexico City (direct).
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Destination airport | Cozumel International Airport (CZM) |
| Likely routing | LEX or SDF → Houston (IAH) or Dallas (DFW) or Miami (MIA) → CZM |
| Alternative | Fly to Cancún (CUN) — often cheaper, more flight options. Then ADO bus to Playa del Carmen (~45 min, $10 USD) + Ultramar ferry to Cozumel (~45 min, $15 USD) |
| Airlines | United, American, Delta (to CZM via hubs). Southwest (to CUN via Houston) |
| Passport | Valid US passport required. No visa needed for Mexico |
| Bike transport | Most airlines charge $150–200 each way for a bike box. Book early — some flights limit oversized items. Consider TriBike Transport as an alternative |
| Time zone | Cozumel is Central Time (CT) — same as Kentucky. No jet lag! |
| Currency | Mexican Peso (MXN). ~17 MXN = 1 USD (approx). USD widely accepted on the island. ATMs available at the airport and in town |