Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Not sure what to think about my swim performace. Obviously not a pace that would normally be acceptable to me, but it's also the first time to swim in relatively choppy water. I probably could have pushed a bit more, but I definitely felt this swim by the end. Sighting was perfect. Once I got out of the crowd and got away from being constantly dunked and boxed in, I found some open water, hugged the buoys, and had an excellent rhythm going. Started to push before making the last turn and tried to pick off a couple more blue caps on my way into shore.

Probably ate too close to the start as I felt a little nauseated during parts of the swim. The chop of the water probably played a role in that, too.

Push more. Don't eat that close to the start.

Wetsuit strippers were awesome. Otherwise, I wasn't really worried about by T1 time. I wanted to make sure I had everything before heading out on the course. I also made very sure my feet were wiped off and applied body glide so I wouldn't have any blistering on the run. Also wanted to make sure I had my nutrition.

Since this was the first 70.3, I wouldn't do anything different. But now with one under my belt, I have a better idea of what I need and want, so this should improve in any future races.

Going into this race I was very concerned about my bike prep. Didn't have a lot of long rides in training and it definitely played a role in my performance today. Although the wind was the biggest factor. Fortunately it wasn't ever a true headwind, but it was pretty tough during the entire course. Was hoping for more of a west wind coming back but never got that, so my legs were damn near dead by the time I got off the bike.

Turning back toward the north and heading to transition I felt my back tire going low. The road was rough and every bup I hit I could feel the rim on the ground. I debated riding it out for the last mile, but my speed was drastically reduced. Thought I could just put some CO2 in the tire and have enough to make it home, but the valve stem broke off and I was going to have to make a complete tube change. Luckily a Bike Barn SAG truck pulled in behind me and Jim was amazing. He helped change it and probably saved me 5 minutes. I used that time to stretch a little.

I dealt with some tightness in the legs and lower back for much of the ride so I would try to stand up and stretch from time to time. Although I was very comfortable in aero for the majority of the ride. Did well going through the aid stations. Did have to make one rest stop on the way back in. Hydration and nutrition were perfect. Had about 1 1/2 bottles of gatorade on the course and a little over 2 bottles of water. Also ate 3/4 of a Powerbar after the 90' mark on the bike and had another 3/4 of a bar at the 150' mark. For not really having a long ride to practice nutrition and hydration, I will have to say this plan was spot-on for this race.

I am going to make bike training and longer rides a point of emphasis in my training. Time to get over this mental block with the bike unless I want to pay for it in future races.

Again, no major rush here. Needed to reapply sunscreen - although it was sponged off early in the run resulting in major sunburn. I did forget my Shot Bloks, although it probably was a good thing since they gave me some stomach issues in training. I was foced to live off the course, which actually worked well.

Screw the sunscreen since I ended up roasted like a lobster anyway.

Hydration, nutrition, staying cool were as perfect as they could have been. Took in some form of hydration at every stop as well as the ice cold sponges. Heaven! I also took 1 or maybe 2 (can't remember) bananas while out on the course.

After getting off the bike my legs were gone. I knew I was in for a long afternoon right off the bat. My goal was sub 2:30 on the run, but I also had the harsh realization that I wasn't going to accomplish that. I had to settle in and find a comfortable pace that would allow me to finish. The worst thing was that my HR had so much more to give but my legs just couldn't do it...normally it's the complete opposite of that.

I experienced some tightness in the lower back during the run so I massaged it out as best I could while still running. Toward the end of the third lap and most of the fourth lap my quads and knees were throbbing. I gutted it out and never stopped running, albeit insanely slow. I was not going to allow myself to walk. But there is something to be said about seeing the sight of the finish line. I had a nice kick and push to the end and really enjoyed the moment...and not having to run anymore!

Better bike fitness and get back into a routine of doing core exercises and yoga.

Tried to stretch a little, but all I wanted to so was sit down and eat. Had 3 slices of pizza and 2 bottles of water.


Wind, lack of proper bike fitness and training for this distance.


Pleased with the actual race. Volunteers and spectators were amazing.

The one COMPLAINT I have is regarding the race shirt...there was no indication on the registration page regarding shirt sizes. So when I received my packet I got a women's small (which looked more like a child's small) instead of a men's small. So now I don't have a race shirt for my first 70.3. VERY, VERY DISAPPOINTED that this is the case and nobody offered to make it right. It should have been indicated on the race registration page and someone should have offered to make it right or send a new, properly sized shirt.