Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

The start was diffent from anything I have done before in my races. We jumped of the edge of a pier into the water and then treaded water until the start. At the start, the life guard wave runner that had just taken someone in was returning to its post and the wake hit us just as we began swimming, so this made the start a bit more challenging.

Once I got into some open space I did fine. I found a rythm and was able to time the chop so I was not drinking the water instead of swimming in it. The most difficult times in the water were when there were other swimmers next to me.

Less than half way into the swim I felt my calves wanting to cramp up. I kept, and did not kick much, hoping they would relax and the cramping would not happen. This did not work and both calves knotted up at the same time. I had to roll on my back and flat for a few seconds and the cramps let up. At this point, I was just hoping to be able to make it through the rest of the swim. I was very happy when I got to the ramp to get out of the water and very happy that my legs did not cramp when I was running up the ramp.

I used the peelers for the wetsuit and that was a much faster way to get the suit off then trying to step out of it.

I would have eaten earlier than I did because I was feeling the sandwich most of the swim. Part of the issue with cramping (I think) was that I did not keep myself hydrated enough on Sat. and I was in the heat all day. This could be part of it, but I having been having cramping issues in the swim during trainning too. Besides that, I think everything else was ok.

Speed in and out of transition was not my focus today. I just wanted to make sure I had everything I needed for the bike and was ready for a long ride.

My calves were still an issue. I had to stop at the first aid station and stretch so this took some time. After the first aid station, I was feeling a little better, but I did not want to push too hard and risk the legs cramping again. After this stop I ate a power bar and made sure to drink Gatorade throughout the ride. I also had a few shot blocks throughout the ride. The wind was a bit of an issue throughout the entire ride. Going out, the wind of over our right shoulder, and I thought I was going to have a tail wind coming in, but that did not materialize. I still was able to ride the second half of the bike faster than the first half.

I did have to stop for a potty break...I do not see how one does this race without bathroom stops. Also, I had some neck pain and did not ride in areo the entire time...most of the time I was but I did come out a few times.



I did not have as many long rides during training as I would have liked and I think this made a difference. Next time make sure to get the long rides in.

Once again, just makig sure I had everything I needed for the run. Also had to stop by the bathroom on the way out.

This was a bad run pace for me. It was well below my goal pace of 9:30. I was really having to will myself through the run because of the cramping. I even walked through some of the aid stations and I don't like that I did that. Made sure to take some form of liquid at each station and to take a few sponges to keep myself cool. This was the best thing I did, and I never was over heated during the run.

Keep running....even if it was a shuffle the entire time.

Walked a bit. I did not want to stop moving for very long because I know my legs would be one big ball of cramps if I did. I also did some stretching.

Ate a few pieces of pizza afterwards to keep the headache from setting in.


The cramping was the main issue that hindered my performance.


For the most part the race was good. It was organized and the course was well marked. The few issues I had had to do with the time from of the meetings and check in on Saturday. The manditory meeting was at 12:45 and it was held were the athletes had to be in the sun...this was not a good idea. Then having to wait until 2 pm to check the bikes in made it a long day. Also, the other issue I had was with the race shirts. When I registared it did not indicate if the shirts sizes were mens or womens. This caused many of the female athletes to order a small because usually when it does not indicate m/f it is male sizes. The small shirt was not even and adult small, it was for a small child. And when everyone noticed this they would not exchange the shirts until 7 pm that evening....who wanted to come back at the time...most of us were getting ready for bed at that time.