Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

HORRIBLE SWIM. The time may not seem it, but I usually average about 1:30/100m in the pool. The wind and the chop were bad, other competitors "non-sighting" ability can hamper, and taking in too much water will cause you to throw up. I started coughing about the half way point....then BAM....lost my powerbar and gu...but it did have a nice grape flavor. I knew it was going to be rough after that. About 1500m into the swim, I was fortunate enough to catch up to the wave that started 2 in front of me and boost my confidence....that is until the guy started swimming parallel and I hit him in the foot....with my face. Got some salt water in the goggles. not a lot, just enough to annoy.

I have no idea....just had a bad swim. I was shooting for a 32 - 34 minute swim. Guess it's just one of those things.

Decent T1 time....I actually thought it was slower than that. Rack was in a good loaction (about middle of transition) so that was nice.

Nothing. Took my time getting my feet dried off as I knew I was going to be on the bike for 3+ hours.

This was actaully about 6 minutes over my goal time. I was shooting for a 3:20 bike as that's about what my training rides were. I've never been a strong biker. Goal was to go out and have fun with it. Passed a few within the first 10 miles but started thinking that I was going to hard. The aid stations were great. First time that I "grabbed and go". Was pleased with that. Got to the turn around in 1:45....then things when downhill (even though the wind was a tailwind). Was settled in around a 19mph pace but could only hold that for about 20 miles....trailed back down to the 15-17. Got passed by a bunch from 40 - 56. If anyone passed me, you would have known it....I had the distinctive "click, click, click". My computer sensor got turned a bit and was hitting the fork. Couple of people asked it I needed SAG or "that doesn't sound good". It was kind of like a built in cadence counter.

Started having some hip issues around 50....but I pushed through and made it in.

Get stronger on the bike. The wind was a factor (but it was for everyone) so my only limiter was my endurace on the bike.

Another good transition for me.

Nothing....racked, shoes off, shoes on, visor, gu in pocket...and I'm out!

And here's where it all went bad......

Pushed too hard on the bike which left less for the run legs. First mile did the shuffle trying to get my legs under me. With the humidity and heat, it zapped me. Having been under trained going in, I was hoping for a 2:30 but with all the walking I had to do, it really wasn't going to happen.

My amazing wife and daughter were at a spot where they could see me twice per loop. I'll admit....I cried every time I saw them. I was in physical and mental pain but they were out there supporting me. No matter how bad I looked, how much it hurt, they were encouraging me. This was the best part of the race for me.

My second and forth loop were my better loops (both physically and mentally). The crowd was great...and so were the volunteers. A bunch of people shouting your name and giving encouragement is always a great thing.

I cramped a little on the run (nothing dabilitating) but pushed on. The last quarter mile, I was in an all out sprint (well....it seemed it for me) to try to get sub-7. Missed it by a few seconds

Train more.....

I missed 3 weeks of training due to bronchitis and the flu....about 2 months from the race.

Medal, water, picture.....just basked in the glory of finishing a 70.3!


Really early in the season for me. Great race, great support, top notch RD....everything you could want in a race....just really early. Not enought road time, run time, etc....


Keith and his crew know how to put on a show!