Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I was in the first wave after the Pro's took off. Which I really like. I started off ok, but was getting pushed around a lot and lost pace with the majority of the pack. I really wanted to stick into a bunch to help protect me from the crashing waves, I ended up swimming by myself most of the race. Half way in my left calf cramped, so I slowed down my kick and tried to concentrate on my stroke.

push harder on the swim. I think that I left a bunch of time in the water. As far as cramping, I don't know what caused that.

Good transition. Long way to my bike. My bike was easy to find, being on the front row and most of them already gone.

Bad day on the bike. Thought that I had a head wind going out and that I would be able to really make up some time on the way back, but that wasn't the case. Only picked up 2mph on the way back. Stomach was in knots almost the entire time. I really couldn't take any fluids and I was afraid it was going to cost me on the run.

Need more time on the bike. I haven't put much time on it in the off-season and only a couple of long rides. I thought that I was pushing hard, but still had a bunch of people pass me. I don't know if it was the wind that took it out of me or what. This is usually my strongest event. I am very disappointed that I didn't perform better on the bike.

Didn't have a problem in transition today. All went well.

Run felt really good. I took 8 minutes off my run. The first loop was great, I was clicking along at a good pace. It was actually cool getting passed by the Terenzo and O'donell. O'donell actually passed me just before the finish line chute. The crowd was lined up on both sides of the path, hooping and hollering, I felt like they were cheering for me. It caused me to pick up my pace even more. Those guys were flying! My times went up considerably from loop to loop, but I knew they would. My first loop I averaged a 7:27 pace. I really thought that I could push the last loop off of pure adrenaline, but my legs were done. My training buddies were there cheering me on, they were all over that course. It was like "Where's Waldo", I never knew what turn they were going to be standing at screaming at me to catch the guy in front of me.

Overall, I'm very pleased with my run performance considering how sore my legs were coming off the bike. Once again, I just need more training time and everything will come around.

Went straight to the medical tent and layed down. I really thought that I was going to pass out after the finsih line. I hobbelled my way over to the food tent where I had 3 slices of pizza and coke. After that I felt much better was ready to get on the road to get home. We actually drove the full 10 hours home that night.


Not enough training in the off season. All the bad weather and lack of motivation, hampered my performance. I was really hoping to break 5 hours, that was my goal and I didn't achieve it. The course was set-up to be flat and fast and I know that I could have, but the wind and waves got the best of me today.


It was a great executed race by the RD. This is only my 2nd half, both from the same RD. I would race anything he puts on. I'm sure I will do another race with Keith in the near future.