Ironman World Championships 70.3 - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I was a little bummed at the change since swimming is my strength, but it was nice not to have the stress of a mass start. The swim was into the sun on the way out which made sighting difficult. Cruised through some of the earlier "waves" of people and finally caught some feet of other F25-29 for the last third or so. I was so happy to finally have a sub-30 swim for the year!

Nothing, I was just happy to be there, racing with the big girls :)

I was really thrilled with the swim, so it was all smiles going into T1. All of our bags were lying on the ground in mostly-organized order, but I grabbed the red bag instead of the blue by mistake. Got to the change tent before I realized my mistake. Had to turn around and go back. Also, but my sunglasses on in the change tent and they immediately fogged up. Rushed out of the tent, grabbed the bike and ran out as quickly as I could.

Remember which color bag was which! Don't put on sunglasses until I get to my bike.

The course is known for drafting and this year was no exception. As a strong swimmer and weak biker, I knew that I would be seeing all kinds of pelotons go flying past. My race plan was to sit up and get some water/gels while getting spit out the back of the packs.

My bike goal was to push the bike pretty hard. I'd done mostly hilly races throughout the year, so I was looking forward to just putting it into the big ring and pushing the pace. I was having so much fun out there, looking down and seeing an avg pace of 20+ mph was really helping my mood.

There's a bridge around mile 42 and railroad tracks about a mile before that. I hit the tracks at ~25 mph and hit something. I hit hard enough that I swear my crotch cringed in pain. At first I was really thankful that my bike seemed to be okay, but by the time I got to the bridge, I knew I had a flat. First flat in a race ever, what a bummer that it had to happen here and now! I sort of lost my head changing the tube. I forgot to release the QR before I tried to pull the wheel from the frame . . . I was pretty sure that the flat was from the tracks, but I checked the tire for punctures and made sure that I didn't pinch the tube before re-inflating. The change took me about 5 minutes, could have been faster, but I only had one tube and didn't want to get stranded a few miles down the road.

Pushed the pace pretty hard back into T2. I was a little frustrated with the flat and feeling a little bummed that I might miss out on my goal.

Not flat!

They had catchers for the bike. My friend Ali was there to grab my bike from me, it was good to get a smile and cheer.

Grabbed the right bag this time and hauled it to the changing tent. Quick swap of shoes, helmet off, visor on, gels in hand and I was off!

Nothing, given the length of transition this was pretty good.

My total goal for the race was to break 5 hours. I knew that a 30/2:45/1:45 would get me to 5 exactly, not including transition times. I knew that the time was really close and I would have to have a PR-time on the run to break 5. I focused on addressing every problem as it came up. It was hot on the course and not a lot of shade, so each aid station became about getting enough water to drink, sponges to cool off, etc.

Coming through the first loop I was right around 51 minutes or so, right on pace with my PR. I ran a little too quickly through the run turnaround and my stomach started to feel off. I was starting to feel overheated and "off." Slowed my pace way down and took 4 or 5 cups of water at the next aid station. Drank half of them and poured the other half over my head. Immediately felt better. This theme played itself out over the every aid station, I'd start to feel lousy, cool off, and immediately feel better. I knew that I was pushing the pace as much as I could and I was right on the verge of blowing up.

Finally ran through the finish. I had such mixed feelings. It was an amazing race and I was really happy to just be there. But, I was exhausted and glad to be done. I knew my time was close to 5, but I didn't know how close. I also knew that I had put everything out there on the course.

My mom texted me, 5:00:13. So close. The mistake in T1 and flat on the bike cost me my goal time. My run time was 40 seconds off of my PR time, so there wasn't too much more time to be gained there. I had my HIM PR swim and bike times.

Pace a little more evenly. I was a little fast coming out of T1 and again at the turnaround.

Walked around until I found the pizza.


A few lingering injuries limited training somewhat. Need more practice changing flats on the road.


I'm really glad that I had the chance to do this race. I knew that I wouldn't be competitive within my age group, but I just wanted to opportunity to say that I did the race. Even if I qualified again, I'm not sure if I'd come back to Clearwater to race. The drafting does make it a joke if you're looking to place. I never realized how difficult it was to extend my racing season by three months. Post-race I realized I was happy to have time off to take a break, recover and plan for next year.