Ironman 70.3 Kansas - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I'm so glad I wore my wetsuit!! The water was very choppy and I kept getting water in my mouth every time I turned to breath. I had to stop to catch my breath. Once I calmed down, I continued. Because of the choppy waters, I had to sight constantly to not veer off course. I saw a few people way off.

I can handle the endurance of the swim, I just have no confidence when it comes to OWS. I'm glad I wore my wetsuit but felt a little wimpy relying on my wetsuit so much. I need to get over this!!

Took my time in T1. No comment.

I don't think I've ever had to endure wind conditions like I did today. This was on a whole other level of WTF! Having to start in the last wave, I knew the weather was going to get hotter and hotter. I tried to take in fluids and calories every 15 minutes. I would find out later that I didn't take in enough!

Some of the hills with the crosswinds and headwinds were laughable. I was constantly thinking about being Dorthy and flying off with the winds to the Land of Oz. The downhills at times were intense because I felt like I could lose control of the bike. I don't mind going fast but mix that with a mean crosswind and being a lightweight, I was fearful of being blown over.

after 3 hours and 39 minutes, I knew that this was going to be a looooong day. :(

I know I always need more time in the saddle. I honestly didn't bike enough and I paid for it.

I knew things were going to be bad when I started cramping putting on my running shoes. I took in some gatorade and a gel, but I knew it might be too late.

Be more effective on the bike regarding nutrition.

Sigh. Well, what can I say. The run is typically my strength, and it ended up being a demoralizing sufferfest.

After the first half mile of the run, my legs were cramping. I knew this wasn't going to be pretty. I shuffled and walked the entire race. I've never been this miserable. I honestly questioned if I was going to finish or not. But than I was getting pissed and thought to myself, " I didn't travel 9 fricken' hours to Kansas to not finish and get my finishers medal." I stopped the pity party I had in my mind and just moved forward whether it was walking or shuffling. The volunteers were amazing and the crowd support was wonderful.

I finally reached the yellow brick road to the finish!!! The announcer said my name and I got my medal!!! I suddenly felt lightheaded and a volunteer led me to a tent with chairs. He asked me if I could drink some water and I said yes. He handed me 3 bottles of cold water, and I gulped down two bottles. A few minutes later I felt like I could walk, so I got up and my family found me and congratulated me.

Train more

Work on nutrition and hydration

Train more

None really.


I would be lying if I didn't say I wasn't disappointed in my performance. I did the Racine HIM last year in 6 hours and 9 minutes. So finishing this race in 7 hours 36 minutes was a very demoralizing experience. I had to remind myself though that Racine and Kansas are different beasts. Every race has its challenges and obstacles. The conditions in Kansas were not ideal, but i also know i probably wasn't fully prepared for the distance. I am accountable for my actions. I guess I didn't think I would bomb like I did.




The volunteers were AMAZING! The crowd support was WONDERFUL!

I saw Lisa (Glinda the good witch) running with her tutu and wand. I smiled and wanted to say something but was too tired, LOL.

Congratulations to all the participants who suffered with me.