For some technical details:

Glad I packed what I did. I pack light, but smart - I don't want to make a lot of decisions, but I want to be able to deal with conditions. I packed arm warmers, though I did not use them - it was a toss up, but I was already warm (though maybe arm COOLERS would have been smart ).

Change of socks in each transition, every year I do change of socks, I love change of socks. It feels so good.

Sunglasses on the run, this is the first time I ran with sunglasses, it made a big difference to my comfort level but they are all splotchy after a while from the squeezing of sponges over my head.

On the bike I shot water into my helmet, boy did that feel good. I wore my coolmax helmet liner, which I always wear, and it does help move sweat off my head so I feel hot but not suppressed.

My heart monitor gave up on measuring heart rate so I actually had to stop it between the swim and the bike (actually after the bike already started). I used my bike computer to measure time and watch when to eat. Learn when to eat. I eat every 15 minutes starting at 30 minutes - gel, Accelerade, gel, Accelerade, repeat. Water at EVERY aid station and pee when you have to, not 3 aid stations down the road like I do, it always makes you feel more comfortable.

I don't use special needs, I still don't know what I'd put in there. I stick with a plan and execute. I could see not carrying all your nutrition and putting it there, but it seems like for the 5 minutes or so I waste in special needs picking it up, I could just suck it up and carry it. Some people use it for stuff that helps them if they are bonking on the bike or hurting on the run, but I didn't expect those problems.

My first blister-free Ironman/marathon!!!! Blisters really ruin your day. Learn to avoid them. Love your feet. HUGE difference here.

I'll put up more thoughts if I have them...