Soma Half Iron Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

This was an awesome swim for me. Not a fast swim but great in the fact that I was calm and relaxed the whole time. We swam east into the sunrise so sighting was near impossible. As I was swimming paralell to the wall I could hear my hubby and kids cheering for me, so I gave them a wave. It didnt seem as chaotic as usual and I rarely got bumped by other swimmers. Only problem was that I went off course by quite a bit, I was sighting off a group of swimmers, and then realized a kayaker was yelling at us to go right, 4 of us went way inside the bouys, and had to kind of double back to go around the 2nd last bouy.I think I lost almost a minute, the kayaker followed us to make sure we didnt cut across/cheat. Heading back was a bit easier with the sun behind us. I got out the water and felt great, I told myself that even if nothing else went right, the fact that I had a relaxed swim had already made this race a success.

Practice more OWS- need to sight better.

Good transition, loved having the wetsuit strippers. My guys was great!

There is always alot of discussion about the bike course at Tempe races, due to construction and the limitations of keeping the course in the city, you have to ride loops. Yesterdays course was full of turns and there were a total of 12 U turns. A lot of riders had not practised the turns and were almost stopping which makes it a bit dangerous. However, the bike I had borrowed is awesome, it was my first time using race wheels and I felt such a difference, even having to slow at the turns was OK because i could accelerate so quickly. I had a blast on the bike, I knew my average was over 22 for the first 2 loops and I was unsure if I should hold back some but I felt really comfortable and just decided to push a wee bit more on the last 10 miles or so. I train on hilly roads so that definitely gives me an advantage on a flat course like this. o drank a bittle of Perpeteum, a bottle of Heed and ate most of a powerbar on the bike.

Nothing. I was 10 mins faster on the bike than I had hoped for.

Had to go pee! Luckily there were porta-potties right next to my rack. I took care of that, said Hi to the family and headed out.

Legs felt great at the start of the run, nothing hurt and it wasnt too hot yet. I saw some friends- thanks Jen for the shout out! I set off at a pretty good pace, keeping it under 8 min/miles. The first loop was good, I was passing a lot of people and in a really good mood. Finishing the first loop, I saw my family, friends again which really helped. At each aid station I drank water and poured some on my head. About half way thru the 2nd loop I had to stop to pee again, I was going good until about mile 10 then all of a sudden it seemed everything started to hurt at once, LOL, I had a blister on my foot and the legs were very fatigued, I could also feel it getting really hot. BUT I told myself that I had come 67 miles already and better just keep trucking. I also realized I was going to go under 5 hours which was never a goal, I couldnt believe it. My pace slowed to an 8:30 for a couple of miles then I was able to pick it up when I saw the finish area. I didnt have the energy for the slip and slide at the end and I really just wanted water and to take my shoes off!

I found my friends and family and collapsed in the shade. It was hot! We planted ourselves near the turn to the finish so I could watch my friends from the tri group finish. I also saw Paulette run it in, looking like the super runner that she is!
I got some food and we stayed around for awards. TriRevolution (our tri club) took 1st and 3rd in the relays. I thought I was maybe 3rd or 4th in my AG but to my surprise, they took the overall winners out of the AG and I got 1st!! I got a watch and a bottle of wine. Got to meet Tim and Nicole DeBoom- how cool!
We ended up hanging out under out groups tent until after 3pm. Fun times!


I exceeded my expectations for the race. I kept thinking that something would go wrong but it all fell into place. As it was my first HIM, I really just wanted to finish and enjoy but my secret goal was 5:15-5:30. I never thought I owuld go under 5! I am so happy!


This was a great race, even with the challenges of the bike course, it worked out well. It was amazing to be out there the same time as the pros. To have guys like Hoffman and McDonald blow by on the bike is too cool, and Katie Ellis rocks! :)
This was my best race ever.