Spirit of Racine Half Ironman Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Felt pretty good - let everyone else go before I got started and settled in almost right away. Sucked in a little water a handful of times but nothing too bad. Breathing to the left helped me stay on course while breathing to the right was awkward. Avoided swimming near people so no drafting but also no getting kicked! Overall speed felt good but with no swim time because of timing malfunction for a bunch of us (my guess), I have no idea what my speed was :(

Not sure. Couldn't have gone any better than it did considering my complete panic about it leading up to the race!

Took my time so I wouldn't forget anything and chatted with mom, dad, and Bob while I was getting ready. Got suit off no problem - had it at my waist while jogging up the beach. Had trouble getting sand off feet to put socks on and ultimately the sand was there the entire ride and run anyways. Jersey was sticky to put on because I was so wet but got it on and loaded with food. Didn't run to bike exit because it was a considerable distance and didn't want to trip with the bike shoes on. No need for speed here since I was more concerned with not forgetting anything and kicking myself later.

Not rinse feet in the water bins. Dry sand might have come off easier with the towel. Put chapstick on lips.

Being in an early wave and having a good swim was great until it came to the bike. I was passed by what seemed like 1000 people! It took a hit mentally so I kept reminding myself that 1) it didn't matter where I finished compared to everyone else and 2) I cannot hang with these people so don't push and blow up later. Biked well considering speeds on most training rides were between 15 and 16mph while this averaged to be 17.3. Knee started to hurt about half way through the ride so I tried to push easier gears going up hills and coasted the down hills instead of hammering to shave a few seconds off my time. Said a few prayers for no flats and that my knee wouldn't limit my run. Nutrition - gatorade sip at :15 and :45s; bloks or gel blasts with water at :30 and :00....little hungry at the end which was not good to start a run so I had a few bloks a little later than I had planned (meant to curb eating last couple miles to get ready for run).

Spin up more hills instead of pushing tougher gear - may have played a part in knee pain.

Bike next to mine was dangling across 3 spots so had to move it a bit to get mine on - took several seconds longer than it should. Changed socks and was very glad to do so. Re-did ponytail and those extra 7 seconds were well used. Threw on hat and food pack and grabbed gatorade. Not sure what took me so long! :)

Move a little faster with the bike going back to the rack.

Half marathon PR! Still went out a little too fast as first few miles were quicker than I could maintain and I knew that. But I was feeling good and figured even if I crashed the second lap, I was gaining a few minutes in the beginning :) Aid stations were great. Drank some water at every station and sipped gatorade in between stations. Took ice cubes and stuck them down the front and back of my tri top and helped me stay cool. At lemon bursts at 25 min and 55 min. Bloks at 1:25 and 1:55. Very thankful my knee had no effect on the run.

Kept moving while waiting for Bob, mom and dad to find me. Ate lots of random stuff - grapes, water, fig newtons, hot dog (holy goodness!), fruit cup and then we stopped at Wendys :) Should have went and stood in the lake for a few minutes but the walk through the sand did not seem worth it. Rinsed off and changed into dry clothes. Sat around a bit and then hit the road.


Lack of speed? ha. I could not have asked for a better first HIM. Every leg was faster than I had hoped and I don't think I could have performed faster at my current level of fitness. Of course I hope to do better the next time around but I am more than happy with my performance today.


Will certainly do this race again. Aid stations were better than I've ever had in a running event - cold water and cups of ice at every stop!