Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I was comfortable throughout the swim. Never felt like my HR spiked or pushed too hard. Picked up the pace after the last turn but there were alot of people from earlier wave(s) in that stretch. Ran up the ramp into transition and felt comfortable coming out of the water.

Still need to work on my sighting. Also, need to be more willing to swim through groups rather than look for a way around them

No real problems. Basically had to run a big U to get to bike out which was as far from my transition spot as it could possibly be.

Nothing really. I put socks on since I wanted to wear them for the run. No big deal.

Plan was to build into the race and shoot for 225-230 watts. Didn't feel great for the first 5-10 miles but then fell into a good rhythm and pace/effort was very comfortable. Given late wave start its seems I was always passing someone so that kept it interesting. Crosswinds with some tailwind on the way out and crosswind with some headwind over the last 10 miles or so. AP215/NP218 so under goal watts. No problem running the disc with the 404.
Had 3 bottles of FLUID brand drink on the bike each with 250 cal. Plan was to take in about 300-350 calories/hour through mix of drink and gels. Went through 2 bottles of drink. Gel flask fell out of my pocket 10 miles in but I had stashed 2 gels in my bento box just in case. Took one at 20 miles and another at 40.

Maybe push a little harder? But, I felt like I was having a good ride and given that my running fitness was a bit of a question I didn't want to over cook the bike. Thought I would be closer to goal watts but still a good ride for me.

Pretty smooth. No wasted time. Carried visor, sunglasses and race belt with me and put them on after leaving transition. Did stop for some quick sunscreen application from volunteer.

Plan was to take it easy in the beginning shooting for around 7:50-8:00 pace for the first couple of miles. But, I felt great and had a hard time slowing my pace. First lap went quickly, second started to feel like work and the third was really tough. I walked through aid stations maybe 10 times for water/cola and took in 2 gels over the course of the run. Also took 2 Salt Stick tablets to help with the heat. Heading out on the 3rd lap I though I could break 1:40 on the run and 4:45 for the race but I really faded. HR over the last 2-3 miles was 180-182 which is my MAX and usually only seen at the end of a 5K. I had nothing left at the end so can't complain.

Solid run for me considering limited miles over the Winter due to calf strain. Usually I have enough left in the end to push the last couple of miles but my last 2 were my slowest of the whole run.

Drank some water then sat down. Got a little dizzy so went to medical tent. They thought my blood pressure was a little low so gave me an IV and that helped me feel better. I suspect I was a little dehydrated as well.
Eventually got some pizza and a drink, wandered around and checked results.
Age group had 3 Vegas Slots and since I was 6th and this was an early season race I figured a roll down slot was unlikely. But, I cleaned up transition walked back to the hotel, took a shower and headed back for awards and the roll down. Top 3 guys all took their slots. I'll hopefully have another chance to qualify for Vegas at Eagleman.
Ended up 1 minute 12 seconds from a podium spot and about 7 minutes from a Vegas slot.



This was my 2nd HIM with the last being in 11/10. Really was not sure how my training would translate come race day. But, I knew I had worked hard in the pool and on the bike over the Winter. Fortunately, everything held together and I had a good race. Pleased with my times and overall race


My first WTC race. They have it figured out. Quite a production. Enjoyed the weekend and the race.