LongHorn Triathlon Festival - Half Iron - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I started in the back of my wave with the intention of just getting into a rhythm that was sustainable. I knew I could swim the distance, although not very fast. As I was getting passed, it was tempting to speed up, but I just kept reminding myself what my goal was, and I continued my slow and steady pace.

Not much really. Getting faster will be an off season focus, but for this race, the swim went as I had planned. I did about what I expected to do.

Very slow transition here. I wanted to start the bike feeling ok, so I didn't push my transition. I walked up most of the hill from the swim exit to the transition area. I took my time cleaning off my feet and putting my gear on. By the time I came out of transition, I was breathing normally and felt pretty fresh.

I know I need to get faster, and on my other races I have been. Today was a different focus, so I'm not too bummed about it.

I drove the bike course the day before, and thought it looked like a fun course. There were some pretty good hills, but it looked fairly fast. I planned on averaging 17 mph over the course. I felt that would leave me enough juice to finish the run.

I started out feeling good and kept a pretty good pace. I was over 20 mph for most of the early part. I decided to let off some, I didnt want to blow up when I got to the hills. By about mile 40, my pace had slowed to about an 18.5 avg. and was feeling ok. I was getting passed, alot!! Like the swim, it was tempting to speed up, especially since I was feeling pretty good. There were big groups of riders passing me that were obviously drafting. So be it. If they feel the need to cheat, then it's their problem.

When I hit the last 15 or so miles, I was still doing ok. Then when the hills came, and I started shifting my front derailleur, I had some mechanical problems. My chain came off 3 times towards the end of the race. On the last time, it got lodged hard between the derailleur and chain ring, and it took several minutes to clear. I estimate I spent 5 minutes or so fixing the bike. Then on mile 50, the dreaded happened..a bad cramp in my right thigh. I was pretty suprised, as this has never happened to me in training. I thought I had taken in enough nutrition, but apparently not. The hills over the last few miles were very painful, and my speed slowed dramatically. I'm getting really worried about being able to do the run.





I wonder if I had pushed a little harder what would have happened. I feel like I could have averaged 18 - 19 mph on the ride without killing myself for the run. However, if I had done that, would I have cramped up earlier? or would I have finished the bike before it set in? Hard to guess which. Either way, I made it through the bike...my goal to finish is still intact.

When I dismounted the bike, I was shocked how bad my right leg hurt from the cramp. I limped to my bike rack and started transition. After getting set up for the run, I spent a minute or so stretching the thigh. I'm thinking I might be able to walk the half marathon if I had to.

Nothing. I needed the time to stretch out the cramp.

Came out onto the run with the plan to run when I could and walk when I had to. I was pleasently suprised that my leg was feeling a little better, and I broke into a run right out of transition. My wife and friends were there cheering me on, and I cracked them a joke about needing some more cowbell, baby.

I ran/walked the first few miles, and was getting pretty hot. I walked through each aid station taking gatorade, water, and ice. As I took in more fluid, my cramp lessened. The muscle was still sore, like someone had punched me real hard.

When I finished the first lap, I was so happy I was smiling (see picture). I knew I was going to make it. I was tired, hot, and in pain..but still running. I could see myself finishing the race.

With 2 miles to go, it was time to run it in. I picked up the pace and pushed myself to the end. As I came though the finish chute, I was amazed to be there. I couldn't believe I had made it. I came across the finsh line, and pumped my fists. What a feeling!!

Nothing. I finished..that's what it was all about.

Hugged the wife and talked with my friends that had come to cheer me on. I got some food and drink and sat down for awhile...Damn, I'm tired!

We watched another friend of ours finish, and congratulated her. We walked around some seeing the sites, and I relived my horror story of the cramp with my wife and friends.


Same thing that always does..my own fitness


Unbelievable event! I started my season with Endorfun at Lonestar (another great race) and finished at Longhorn. These guys know how to do it! There were tons of volunteers and lots of aid stations. There were people cheering everywhere. I cannot think of a better to finish my first season of racing and my first HIM than this race.