Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Likely the most adventurous feeling activety I have participated in to date. Swimming with some of the states top triathletes in Lake Michigan was exciting. Relative to Lake Michigan the lake was calm but make no mistake this was swimming in the Big Water. Held my own but had to swim more aggressive as the young fast pups in green caps surged from the wave behind. Did a very good job of siting given the challenges of the sun, the masses and the waves. Kept HR under control

Really nothing. Swam to my ability and tried to hold my real-estate the best I could.

The climb for the lake up the beach to the boardwalk was tough so made sure to walk to start trying to lower HR. Jogged from boardwalk to Bike. Stayed calm and located bike and got ready with little fan fare.

nothing

This was first bike leg I have done that I felt like I was racing. Not that I was competitive but the atmosphere itself had an feel of professionalism. The first I have done with a bottle hand off and the volunteers made you feel like a Pro!

I always tend to race faster than I train. The adreniline tends to take over and I race better than I train. The problem comes from my leg muscles tend to revolt at the end of the ride, which sets me up for a poor run. I don't I need to race slower but I need to train faster and do more speed work. Also I ride a Trek 1000 which does not have clipless pedals. I need to add them to more evenly tax my legs.

Went well

nothing

Having run in the Memphis in May Oly Tri in 90+ degree weather and suffering bad heat exhuastion I was more prepared for the heat to grab me on the run. I tried to stay ahead of the game early on the bike and stay with a solid hydration and nutrition plan. I beleive that was the difference in me finishing vs. not finishing. I had plans to run at 13 minute pace and then drop the overall time into the 12+ but that was just not going to happen.

For the Ironman dream to stay alive I have just got to be faster and stronger on the run. I have got to do more speed work to become faster.

After suffering heat exhaustion before I made every effort to keep it at bay. Made certain to drink plenty and get some food down.


Training and genetics.


Loved the swim and volunteers were great on all of the course. Bike was was interesting and had enough for everyone. The run was just plain tough... but it IS a half ironman. It was a great place to race, and would be a great place to take the family to the beach but a bad place for a family to watch a race. This venue is great for participants but sure not set up for spectators. If you didn't know ahead of time that this was an official Ironman 70.3 event ahead of time you would have not known by being there. Would have loved to have seen the Ironamn 70.3 logo more prominent (including the shirt).