LongHorn Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Festival - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Our age group started almost last, so it was a constant battle swimming through the other competitors. Stayed to the left - a little bit too much, but I'd rather swim a bit off course in open water than in a straight line in a crowded washing machine.

Should have worn a wetsuit, but I didn't train at all wearing one and I don't have a 'swimming' wetsuit. I'm new to this sport, so I don't have any 'tri gear'...yet.

Long run up a grassy turned muddy hill. Didn't have worry about taking off a wetsuit - not that it helped my time.

Be faster. Get a tri suit too.

Felt good the first 20 miles - kept a ~20 mph pace. Wind started to pick up and my legs & back (and mind) started to fatigue. This was my first time on a bike since I did a century ride a month prior, I definitely felt the lack of training as the bike went on.

Train more leading up to the race. Need to get aero bars too. And a more comfortable seat! My butt is still sore.

Took my time again. I really should put more emphasis on transitions...when you think about the effort it takes to improve a few minutes on the course, it's free time to make up.

Don't be so slow!

Running is my weakest event. My longest ever run prevous to this was a 10K run during the Austin Tri over Labor day. I was pretty concerned going in how I would do, but I was really happy with how I felt. I could push a little now and then - especially down the hills, and I kept a decent pace & rhythm for the most part. Never felt like I was going to hit a wall, but I knew I didn't have much left at the end; so I think I nailed pretty well.

Just train more. The little training I did do leading up to the race was mostly running, since I was so worried about it. Was sick of eating gel packs by the end of the race - I need to find more appealing ways of taking in energy than fruit-flavored vasoline.

Found a spot on a bench and chilled out for 10 minutes. Drank a couple little beers before they ran out.


This was my second tri (my first was the Austin tri on labor day), and first HIM. I just got back from a two week vacation 10 days before the race - so that didn't help much. Czech beer is great but doesn't do much for your split times :)


Great event. I had an awesome time. I'm amazed at how good the athletes are, some of the times are incredible! My family thinks I'm a masochist but it's not so torturous as they picture it to be. Feels great to finish and know that you did what you set out to do. Now I'm thinking when/where should I sign up for a full IM??

On a side note: both Tri's I've done have run out of 'free beer' way too soon, maybe it's just an Austin thing but they need to take into account those of us who like to self-medicate after a race :-)