HITS Triathlon Series: Sterling - Half Iron Course - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I was in better shape than my April HIM, sighted better, was on coures most of the way. Had to really focus on getting/keeping long in the water. The temperature was perfect, no wetsuit was really great on the shoulders. Pace was steady throughout the race, did not drop off at the end. This was right around where I wanted this swim to be pace wise.

I need more swim fitness and coaching.

T1 was an up hill run from the lake, first in sand and then up steps etc., was moderately long (2-300 yards). Transition in genral went well.

Things went well, nothing really.

I was really happy with the bike, conditions were good enough except for that patch of dirt/gravel at the beginning and end.

I just need more bike fitness. I raced as fast as I could have for today.

This was a really good transition time for me given the length of the transition. Heck 60 seconds, I'll take it.

Was pretty picture perfect for me.

The heat and sandy footing just dragged at my time. The first mile was less than impressive, so I just settled in, it was going to be what it was going to be. I passed one guy in the first mile, he started walking up the sand hill. I tried to focus on the next person in front of me and then passing them. My pace was not great all miles 8:00 mpm or slower, so I just focused on staying wet, getting in some fluids and passing the person in front of me. Sometimes it took longer than others. I moved up past folks steadily until around mile 11 when there was no one visibly in front of me anymore. I made darn sure nobody caught me from behind and just tried to push it as hard as I could. Breathing was fast, sides were slightly cramped from water intake the entire run, but nothing that would affect pace. I just had to be careful at each water break to not drink more than 4 oz. The last 4 miles in the sand was tough, I had no one left to chase down, the last big hill was tough, but just sucked it up and got it done. Run was slowish but 10th overall on the run so I guess it was tough for everyone.

Not sure. I would have liked to have hit this harder, but I do not run on sand much. I am not sure I want to run on sand much, hard on my calves.

I drank 24 oz of water, then 32 oz of cold lemonaide, nibbled on some food, couldn't really eat anything. Then I went down to the lake and just soaked for a while. Getting those fluids in and dropping the body temped helped me to feel human again.


There was some wind, temps got up to 103F ish, 8 miles of the run was in sand. Just need to train more, get faster, stronger. Execution of the race was pretty spot on for my fitness level and conditions.


This race had more water stops on the run and more portapoties than the April race with HITS. They had access to better food at the end. Course markings were clear, drinking water was cold all day, very nice. Vollunteers were willing to douse you with cold water at water stops if you indicated interest. Cold lemonaide in the shade after the race was very good. This was a 10 min PR for me, happy with everything, running in sand is just hard and hot temps drain you over the course of the race.