Silverman - Half Iron - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Swim was decent. I knew coming into this race my swim was not up to par with previous years. But I'm fine with it. Was only 2 minutes slower than last year and above average for the field.

I grabed a hip or feet when I could, but pretty much just treated it like a training swim and swam at my own comfortable pace.

Nothing. I was satisfied. Maybe draft a little more.

Transitions have always been pretty quick for me. 3rd in my division. 5 minutes is a little slow, but there was a significant run with the bike up a steep hill to get to the mount area.

As usual. Went too hard on the bike! Can't help myself! I love the feeling of going fast. BUT, if I said this once, I said it a MILLION times. I want a flat course. I can FLY by people on the flats or slight downhills. Like the are standing still. However when I comes to a hill? I hit a wall and thy dish some serious payback to me. And on THIS course? There are WAY too many hill (and an overall increase in elevation from point to point) that I can't overcome and lose ground.

I feel my fluid plan worked out well. 20oz every 40 minutes. That's enough calories as well. I took in enough fluids to even need to take a potty break in T2.

Lose weight! Train more.

Again, fast at transitions but had to take a potty break this time. Still 5th in my division even with the break.

The first 6 miles were pretty good. I was shooting for a 10min/mi pace and was at about 10:15... I can live with that. I felt really solid for those 6 miles passing people and NOT getting passed.

Then the road tilted up and I gassed. Once again, at these longer distances, I run out of steam. Legs were cramping just a little, but not too bad. HR was in Z2 and feeling good. But I could only run a 1/4 mile before need to walk for 30-60 seconds... Then go again.

ONCE AGAIN, my bike was too fast. Plus, I drank only water for the run. Maybe not taking in any calories for the first half hurt me on the second half... Oh well, live and learn.

pace better

Warm clothes, sit down, get a little to eat.


Lack of fitness. Pacing issues.


Yes, I am a little disapointed that I can't figure out this distance. And had pacing problems ONCE AGAIN. And yes, turned in one of my worst (if not THE worst HIM times ever for me). Which is weird, because I was feeling fast and strong before the race. But overall? I had a great time! The bike was just so much fun and I love this course. I love the challange of doing these kind of distances. Just a lot of fun...

Sad to say, my streak of a Silverman podium ends at 3!!! Not lucky enough to get one this year.

Side note: Met up with the AZ BTers for a pasta lunch the day before. REALLY good time meeting them.

ALSO! Special shout out to my friends from far away with good wishes for me. The support was great and needed! Thanks.

NOTE TO SELF:

Lose some weight, get a bit more fit, pace the bike, and fine tune nutrition just a bit more.