Ironman Kansas 70.3 - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

We had a water start because the boat ramp was pretty rough. I positioned myself in the front off to the right side. Sighting was a little tough for me since the buoys were on the left the whole way (I breathe solely right side unless forced to do otherwise). And I wasn't paying too much attention to anybody ahead of me until I swam over someone as we started to overtake the last people from the wave in front of us. Felt really bad about that and paid much better attention for the rest of the swim. We got to use a wetsuit which was awesome! But the water was actually pretty warm for a full wetsuit

Swim in a sleeveless suit and work harder to get the front early and hold a bit faster pace. As well as keep an eye out for people I'm about to pass. Otherwise a good swim for me!

Running out of the water I pulled off my cap and goggles and went to leave them in my wetsuit sleeve but ended up dropping them and having to run back for them. Had to run the whole length of T1 to my bike which was near the bike exit. Once at my bike I took my time getting ready and that definitely showed.

Not try to leave my goggles and cap in my sleeve while running.

I started off the bike course a bit fast, as usual, but was able to slow myself down when I dropped my chain after about a mile. Couldn't pop it back on with the front derailer and had to get off the bike. The rest of the bike was good, kept it at a medium pace making sure to back off if my legs started burning on any hills. Definitely got passed like I was standing still many times, the disadvantage to being in a wave before all the fast people. Got to adventure around the oil slick with a bunch of people and evidently had just missed a wreck where everybody was dismounting. The second penalty tent was pretty crowded and there was a dog wandering the road a bit past that. Oh and some poor guy was walking with his bike on his shoulder over the dam. Overall a beautiful bike course and the hills weren't nearly as bad as I thought they would be.

Get more comfortable in the aerobars before the race and ride with those.

I was so excited to be done with the bike finally that I forgot what I was doing. I didn't get my feet out of the shoes before the dismount and ran with the bike to the rack with my shoes on. Then I took my time getting my running shoes on and putting on sunscreen since there was not transition sunscreen. Took it easy and then jogged out to the run.

Remember to undo my shoes before transition.

The sun was finally out and it was hot! I took it easy, trying to keep my hr under 155. Walked through each aid station, grabbing one cup of water to drink, and another to dump on my head. Had 4 gels throughout the course and stepped it up at mile marker 11. It was great to have all the people cheering along the course. And I loved making friends with some people along the way, a guy from Dallas around mile 7 and another gal from Colorado from mile 9 to 11. Even saw Lisa C in her good witch costume, which was awesome! Finished the race on the yellow brick road and was so excited to have completed my first HIM!

Nothing, a great run for me, paced well for how I was feeling, and hydrated well too.

Walked around for a bit then jumped in the ice bath with a bunch of people and talked about the oil spill and how somebody was knocked over and lost all their water. Then wandered over to the massage line and got a great massage after waiting a long time in line.


Racing on a straight road bike with no aerobars. Otherwise I raced a good race for me and was very happy with my time.


Was a bit surprised there were no wetsuit strippers or any sunscreen in the transitions. But I still had a blast and the course is so beautiful, I could see myself doing this race again.