Ironman 70.3 Racine - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I have had many panic attacks at the start of the swims so my goal was obviously to not. It's been my goal every race but most times it happens regardless of my desires. I'm not a fast swimmer but I am confident and strong in the water so I have no idea why it happens to me. NOT today though! Walked in vs. running to the sand bar- ha, and just started like it was any other OWS,Felt good. Just tried to keep it steady and smooth. I knew I wasn't going to make or break it with that as my plan. Because of my severe right hook I stayed to the outside vs. shoving with others at the buoys. I love this race because it's such a nice straight shot that you can just swim without a ton of sighting. 44 minutes is slower than I had hoped but I came out feeling good and not tired at all... which leads me to the next box down!

I could have pushed it a bit harder towards the end, maybe the second to last buoy. I was actually so happy that I was able to keep steady that I didn't want to mess that up and cause panic. I had a wave come over that I didn't see coming and it through me a little which is what kept me slower. I need to really figure out this panic issue, it's so stupid!

I walked the beach portion just because it's so killer and to me is a huge energy waste so early on in the day- plus I got to say hi to my parents which is worth a little extra time to me. Utilized the strippers and sunscreen lubers which helped. I really didn't feel like it was 6 minutes plus but obviously it was. I'm still unsure exactly where the timing mat is to stop the swim vs. start t1. Cyndi yelled as she passed me in transition- ya caught me!

I joke that when I have a longer transition time that I should that I was baking a cake in transition. Perhaps next year I should switch to something quicker?!

I really enjoy this bike route even with the bumps. I would prefer to not have them but do like this route. I felt really good considering I changed my set up early this year and got my aero bars. I wasn't feel as strong on the bike so I was really pleased with my time. Now I just need a new seat so I can get some relief on my downstairs while aero!!! Cyndi was about 3 minutes behind me!

I had someone stop in front of me as we got to the dismount line. I mean STOP and he stood over his bike not moving at all. I was very concerned but a volunteer was with him but then I couldn't safely get around him. Added a tiny bit of time but not a big deal at all. Other than that I have NO idea what took me so long. I was in the center of the rack so equally far from the bike in and run out. Who knows. Maybe I stopped to frost the cake???

I started out feeling really good. Legs were good, wasn't too hot, all of it was good. Had decided prior to the race that walking the hills was the plan, regardless of the photographer! Ran most of it pretty slowly except through the aid stations and shade. I needed to cool off as much as possible out there. If I get overheated it will be over for me. Ice in the hat and bra is so the way to stay cool. I did this in Kansas and it saved me there too. After the first turn off of mainstreet I thought that the heat went up about 10 degrees, no breeze and just suffocating! That was the worst stretch for me all day, both times!! At the zoo on lap one Cyndi caught me and we ran the rest together which was great. Dumped the fuel belt with friends after the first lap- it was way too hot on me at that point and I couldn't take in any more blocks so it was all liquid for lap two. Other than being super hot I felt good. My legs were good and I was just trying to walk in the little bits of shade to keep from going over that heat hump and not returning. I mananged to keep it steady and come in feeling good.

Not sure I would have worn my fuel belt at all. The aid stations were very nicely place and I think I could have done without as long as they had ice. Ideally I'd like to run faster but that will come with time I hope.

We talked with some friends that were kind enough to stay and watch the old ladies finish! Then found my parents and Cyndi's enjoying the shade and breeze on the hill. Watched some more people cross and cheered them on as we wobbled back to transition to gather our things.


What limited my ability to perform faster... MY lack of ability to BE faster!


In the weeks leading up to the race you obsess about times and goals, the what if's, weather, lake temps, wind- my God like a million things to obsess about! When the day is upon you none of that matters. You will stand on the beach ready to swim whether it's cold or choppy, bike whether it's windy or hilly and run whether it's raining or steamy hot! The only thing that matters is the training and nutrition- The engine and the gas!

This years race was a wonderful experience for me from last years but also taught me alot. Last year I was in such a late wave that I was virtually alone on the bike segment and shuffled through the run with just a few others. I was so sad that I had trained so hard for this?? To be out there alone with very few people left to cheer let alone run along side you and help you keep going, camera men all gone, they were even wrapping up the ironman signs. I finished in the awful heat and thought about it for a year and how I could improve.
This year I changed age groups so I was moved up in waves significantly which was critical. I was another year into this distance of training and knew what to expect. I was stronger and more mentally prepared. This year I was PART of the race vs. being the trailer. I was in the middle of an amazing event and had a blast! There were actually other people on the road with me and the run! I know this is an individual event but having others who are crazy enough to do this race around is really helpful. Triathletes are so supportive of each other and really the nicest people you can meet. I had a great race and a wonderful time on Sunday but will never forget my first HIM and will always high five and encourage those late in the day runners who are just heading out for lap 2!
I got to cross the finish line with Cyndi which will never happen again so that tops it for me!! Cheers to my best HIM yet, yes a PR for me!