Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

What can I say. My swimming is a huge liability, although, believe it or not, it is getting better. Navigation is hilarious. The lifeguards must still be laughing. Almost went to the wrong turning mark before being redirected. Thought my clear goggles were a good idea. It wasn't.
Considering the waves and chop, I guess I am pretty pleased. But it still sucks spotting your entire age group about 6-10 minutes every single race.

Keep working on it. Swim, swim and swim some more. I have always said if I could just swim badly I'd be in the hunt every race over Olympic I entered.
That and the goggles. Tinted was the way to go.

My goals in both transtions were to be in and out in less than three minutes which I thought was reasonable considering the length of the swim out and the size of the transition area. Did well on both.
I have been riding with no socks this year which helps a bunch. New helmet went on perfectly.

Nothing

Loved the bike! We rode it last week and a month ago and knew I could do pretty well. The wind was actually almost the same as last time out.
I wanted to run between 21 and 22 for the bike so I thought if I averaged 21 going out, I would be able to hit it hard coming back and meet my goals.
Going out, the traffic was pretty heavy but most everyone was riding very safe. I was able to ride hard and stay at the pace I wanted without slowing down to figure out how to get around people.
Didn't see any drafting packs which was nice. I was surprised by the amount of trash (water bottles, two pair of Oakleys, all sorts of bike parts) all over the road. And the roads were pretty smooth.
Made the turn and managed to avoid the tacks that caused so many flat tires. My average speed said 20.7 so I thought I was on track.
Coming back was a ton of fun. Hit it as hard as I could and watched the average go up and up and up. It was a lot harder with traffic going back. It seemed I was always slowing to make sure I could get around someone or speeding up to make up lost time. Never seemed like I was in a smooth rhythm. Took the time to stand up and pedal for a bit every 5 miles and stretch my back. Also made sure I ate every five miles. Finished 3/4 flask of Gu and about three bottles of Gatorade or water so I figured I was in good shape for the run.
My odomater said 22.2 when I got in proving I can't calibrate my cateye as the race results said 21.4. I was happy with the ride and my legs felt great.

Run the disk wheel. I chickened out again and left it at home. Half afraid of flatting and half afraid of it blowing me around. After seeing how many were using them, I was a little mad at myself. But the Spinergy Rev-X/Gatorskin combination did the job. So no complaints.
Also, I wish I would have picked up the Oakleys. I figured I would have lost a couple of minutes but it would have been worth it.

Wanted to make sure I took the time to put socks on. Ran Ironstar with no socks and paid for it in the last five miles. Great call. Feet were happy.

Nothing.

Came in wanting to run under 8:30 pace and under 1:50. I figured if I could do that, I would be in good shape to run under 5:20 which was my previous PR and my goal for the day.
Started off really well and was happy my quads were not cramping as they are prone to. Tried to stop at every station to cool my head and body with water and ice. Kept ice in my hat (Thanks Matt C. for that idea)
Just kept pushing and pushing knowing I had a lot of time in hand. Started fading at about mile 11 which I figured would happen. Felt hungry as well. But ended up coming in with a few minutes to spare.
Loved the four-loop course and all of the runners and spectators around. Really was a boost.
The heat was tough and staying cool was the highest priority. The breeze really helped.

Really happy with the result. Ran exactly to plan. I think I could have pushed the bike a little harder and still run well, but better safe than sorry.

Sat in the Tri4Him tent. then spent an hour and a half walking around the course looking for a friend who DNF'd the run and went home without telling anyone. Got way too much sun. Hardly ate anything post race.


Disc wheel sitting in my dining room. Probably should have eaten a little more in the morning. Learn to navigate the swim.


Came in planning to beat my PR. I was really nervous about the swim and the wind on the bike going in.
Overall, I am thrilled. A huge mental boost going into IM Texas.