Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I planted myself toward the front of the swim start and there was moderate contact for the first 600 meters. After the first turn I was able to find some room and get a stride going. Overall the swim was great and navigation was easy as the sun was not in our eyes at all. I swam all the way to the ramp, passing several people that were trying to run/walk to the ramp and then ran to the wetsuit strippers. They were quick and I was in T1.

Nothing

I already had my shoes clipped in and so I just put on my sunglasses, helmet, and race number and then took off running with the bike to the bike out. I ran past all the people trying to get on there bike because there was about 20 of them and I didn't want them to run into me. I jumped on and pedaled on top of my shoes for a bit and then slipped into them and secured the strap.

Maybe try to run a bit faster with my bike

The wind was very strong but I was feeling pretty good. Got to the turn around expecting a nice tail wind but it was still pretty much just a strong cross wind. The roads were very nice for the most part and I enjoyed the bike ride even though I was worried that I was pushing a bit too hard

Train harder on the bike

Passed about 10 people by doing a flying dismount. Got to my spot, racked my bike, helmet off, sprayed some suntan lotion, socks on, running shoes on, grabbed my hand held water bottle and took off.

Nothing, I was very happy with this transition.

My first 2.9 miles was at a 7:50 pace. I was feeling good but it was hot and I thought I might be pushing too hard. At 4.6 miles I had a 7:54 pace and my legs were starting to get really tired. The aid stations were far apart so I was glad to have my hand held water bottle. I still would drink water and perform at each aid station and grab cold sponges when I could. At mile 7.2 my pace slowed down to 9:52 per mile. I was in a good amount of pain and my quads kept wanting to lock up. I just kept running though it because I was worried if stopped to stretch them they would totally seize up. I started drinking the Coke at the aid stations and I thought if helped quite a bit. At mile 8.8 I was holding a 9:44 pace. I was going in and out of pain. I would feel good for a few min and then feel crappy for a few min. 11.6 miles into it my pace was falling off quick. It had dropped to a 10:11 pace and I wanted to walk so bad. I forced myself to keep running by saying to myself, "just make it to the next aid station". I had hoped to be able to push hard to the finish but there was nothing left. I was on my last mile at a 10:56 pace and was fighting with my quads. They wanted me to stop and I was telling them to just go a bit more, PLEASE! They screamed at me the whole way to that finish line and I was saying aloud back at them "shut up!" A few people looked at me a bit funny but I didn't care. I was 100% focused on running and not slowing down any more. That finish line never looked so good! It was like crossing into heaven!

Train harder for the bike leg so my legs can survive the run a bit better.

My wife had my recovery drink at the finish line for me but I found it really hard to get down. I sipped it and started to feel better after about an hour. I was so out of it at the finish line that I didn't even see my time. An hour later I still didn't know what my final time was. I just felt so good about giving everything I had and my time didn't seem to matter as much. I found out later I had a 5:45 and was happy with that. But even if it was more I would have been satisfied knowing I could not have done any better.


Leg strength on the bike.


Overall this was a great race and I would like to do it again. Well organized, good location, great course. The only negatives are the aid stations could have been closer on the run. But I don't think they expected it to be that hot. So it would have been great if it was 70 instead of 80.