Ironman Kansas 70.3 - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Started out in front of pack. Couple d-bags were ready to throw elbows to get their spots in front, so I decided to make sure to put the pedal to the metal as soon as the gun went off. Started out in full sprint and managed to break from the pack. About 2 other guys were keeping with me, and I executed perfectly till the first turn. Sun was super bright and I could not see jack as the sun was right in my eyes. Got kicked in the head and the goggles came off. DOH! Put them on and they filled with water 2X, had to stop and empty them out as well as readjust. I wasted at least 2 minutes doing this. But there wasn't much I could do with the sun. Finished strong, looking around I was in the front of my pack as the AG rank would indicate.

I'm REALLY going to get tinted open-water goggles going forward. They're worth it.

I don't know why for $275 Ironman, Inc can't have wetsuit strippers????? Other than taking forever to get out of my suit (forgot bodyglide), this was fine. The T1 was huge and traffic moved pretty smoothly. Opted to run barefoot, mixed feelings about this. Pavement was rough, but I may have saved a little time.

Put on bodyglide and/or demand Ironman, Inc invest in some volunteer wetsuit strippers. They should also have sunscreen appliers out there.

Tough course! I had no idea how hilly easter Kansas is. I loved this course though. Road was in fantastic condition and the local Sheriff did a fantastic job of directing traffic. Aid stations were well stocked and had plenty of volunteers. I was really hot- drank at least 72 oz of water and 2 full Gatorades. Also took a PowerGel each hour. I really got the drinking/nutrition right on this. I was totally disappointed to take 3 hours, thought I could have done it in 2:45. I think the heat in the last hour really did me in. I know I had a good pace, because I was passing as many people as those who were passing me.

I missed a few solid weeks of training due to being in Chicago. I know this affected my riding, but family is more important, so it is what it is. I would like to get a tri bike and take my road bike to Chicago for use there. Someday. Someday. Otherwise I think I executed well.

This was slow for 2 reasons: 1) there was a ridiculously long line for the port-a-potty. I waited at least 2 minutes. And there also wasn't anyone doing sunscreen- so I had to run back to my spot and put some on- that was like 2 more minutes. I'll live with the time, as I still got burned it was so hot and sunny out.

Ironman, Inc should really have people applying sunscreen.

First 2.5 miles were great. It was hotter than hell out, but I was maintaining an 8:30 pace according to my Garmin. At the 2nd aid station down by the lake the heat just hit me. Trying to run up the hill kicked my a$$. Had to walk- I was ticked when I saw the mile 3 sign, I know once I start to walk it's harder to run again. Sure enough, I was walking and running- like a 4/2 ratio, then a 2/2 ratio. It was so hot out there, and I was trying to keep cool. Not thrilled with this, but it was better than Redman last year. My back didn't act up- and I rode with my aerobars! Never felt terrible muscle fatigue or pain, just a lack of energy from the heat.

I need to continue my run training. I'm a lot better than I was last year, despite the lousy split. Just "just keep chipping away at it"- like CitySky likes to say. Oh, and just power up the hills and forget about the heat (if that's possible)

Food. And lots of ice. Talked with Odenelli, gunshansen, and a few other athletes. I was so hot I just wanted to get back to the hotel for an ice cold shower and a nap. Did both :)


The heat, and some missed training.


LIked this race, but I don't know if I'd do it again- this part of the country is just so hot and humid during the early summer.