American Triple-T Ohio - Race #4: Little Smokies Half Iron - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Swim felt fine. Had a little tightness in the shoulders and upper arms near the end, but nothing too terrible. Great swim conditions.

Nothing really. My swim could be faster, but my swim training has been low this season so far.

No point in being a hurry today. I knew it was going to be a long day and survival was my primary goal. Probably should have applied sunscreen here, but was too wet and just went for it. Took my time making sure I had everything and walked to the start.

Bring an extra towel, dry off quick, apply sunscreen.

Tried to keep a nice comfortable pace, but it was impossible on the hills to keep moving and not have the HR spike the whole time. After the first lap, my legs were shot. No idea how I managed to keep moving and make it up the hills the second time through. The very last hill on the second loop, I made it halfway up and had to unclip and walk the last 50 feet, but I'll take it. Was close to falling over if I didn't. Time from Garmin, Chip time did not register entering T2.

More hill training. Unfortunately there is just nowhere around here to train on hills remotely like these.

Nice and slow again. Walked the bike in, took my time getting everything together, grabbed my belt, applied a lot of sunscreen and took off on the run.

Time estimated, no official chip time for T2.

Miserable. First lap I jogged on some of the flats and most of the downhills, walked every uphill. There was no point in trying to run uphill. Second lap involved a lot more walking, but I was able to run the last 1/3 mile to the finish line, so that felt good. HFP did a great job with the aid stations on the run, so I was able to keep from seriously overheating despite the midday heat.

Not do it.

Sat in a little creek next to transition.


Everything.


I'm pretty sure whoever designed this race is sadistic. The hills were relentless. I would be willing to bet this is the most difficult triathlon course in Ohio by a large margin. I can't even fathom doing what the Triple-T folks did.

I'm glad I did, but man, it was painful.