Tawas HIM- 3Disciplines Festival of Races - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Pretty uneventful swim. The water and conditions were great this year compared to last year. Just tried to relax and take it easy. I felt comfortable the entire swim and just glided along. Felt pretty effortless.

nothing

Long run, probably 1/4 mile from beach to transition. I actually felt much slower than this, but I'm happy with it.

nothing

I paced this bike leg pretty aggressively. I don't have many opportunities to train on hills, so this type of a course is challenging for me. I felt very weak when climbing, I think it has something to do with being sick.
Overall I am happy with my effort, pace, and time.
There was, as is common at this event, a LOT of drafting. A lot. For the record, cheaters suck, bad.


Not much

I had the fastest T2 time of all the HIM athletes, so I can't be upset. I did have to rerack my bike because it was so cock-eyed after the first attempt.

nothing

I had Endurolytes in my T2 bag, but intentionally left them in my bag. At the prerace meeting they very clearly stated that there were Endurolytes at the run aid stations, and my sponsor tri suit (the race director) does not have pockets, so I decided to live off the course- BAD MOVE!
I should have at least popped two before I left T2.
There were NONE on the course, as I personally scoured each and every aid station.
Cramps began to set in at mile 2 after a 7:42 first mile and 7:48 second mile. I walked about 30 seconds while massaging the cramp out, and then began to reevaluate. I decided to pace much more conservatively and to walk each aid station. My routine at the aid stations was drink as much of one cup of HEED as possible, one cup of water in the hatch, and one cup of water over the head.
I felt really cooked by mile ten, but knew that I had put forth a good effort, so I wasn't disappointed.
As I entered the finish chute my hammy started to cramp, so I walked the last twenty meters or so. It was actually pretty cool, as people were cheering and I was rubbing my hammy pretty intensely.


Not rely on the course.

Water, watermelon.


Being a wimp?!


This is a good race. It is an excellent course and the city really gets behind the race and supports the athletes. If the rules were enforced and the aid stations were as advertised, this would be a must do race each year. As it is, I will still probably come back again.