Soma Half Iron Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I don't rate swims based on time right now. For me, I feel like my swim speed isn't going to change much for a while so I find success elsewhere! I stayed towards the back/middle and along the buoy line (it was a triangle course). I stayed calm and consistent. Swam the whole way, sighted well and swam buoy to buoy. I passed a few people in the wave ahead of me which doesn't happen very often. Overall I was happy with the swim. It was nice to not have any moments of panic. I just enjoyed the whole thing :)

Loved having strippers. I decided to wear bike shorts over my tri shorts for the longer ride. That took a little extra time. I think I'll try a long bike ride with only my tri shorts and see how I do.

The course was 3 laps with some nice long stretches, lots of turns and for a flat course there were a few climbs that got bigger by the 3rd lap :) My last lap was the slowest and I think the heat was starting to get to me. Overall a good ride for me. I used my new aerobars quite a bit on the long stretches and worked on keeping some speed on the corners. Passed some people and got passed. I'm still afraid to push too hard on the bike and not have enough legs for the run but I worked on that and came in about 14 min faster then my last and only other 1/2IM.

Again, took a little more time since I had to get the bike shorts off. Made a bathroom stop too.

.....and then the wheels started coming off! I'm not the best heat runner and the day was going to top off at 97 degrees. The good thing was I had plenty of company when I had to walk. The run was 2 laps along the lake with a little offshoot. There was minimal shade. There was great support at the aid stations. Water. gatorade, ice, food, etc. I drank at every stop, poured water over my head and put ice in my sport bra. I'm sure that kept me going but I just couldn't get good running in. My local friend got there for my second lap and ran with me for a short bit which was fun. It was just slow, slow, slow!

Walked around with my friend, packed up, went back to my hotel for an ice bath and after trying to cool off had a really good dinner.


I'm sure if I could of trained in the heat it would of helped but it is what it is. I had no doubt that I was going to finish but it's always a bit disappointing to have such a slow run. The beauty of this sport is it always gives you something to work on!


Red Rock puts on a great race. They are super organized and have plenty of wonderful volunteers.