Lake Stevens 70.3 Triathlon World Qualifier - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Did a little 20 yard WU off the runup ramp. Stubbed my toes trying to get down the ramp astroturf and sand. I was wearing my De Soto Tri top under my wetsuit. First time that I've done that, and it caused some constriction.
75% of people still were in wetsuits even with warm water.
My wave had about 50 people in my age group. Had a hard time sighting in on buoys and felt like I did alot of Zig Zagging.
On coming back from the turn, it was all into the early morning sunshine. Impossible to see. Had final thoughts that I might run into the dock.

I would try the wearing of a tri top under wetsuit in training.
I felt ok with the time, didn't push it, just wanted to be comfortable and finish in around 40m.
And since the water was warm, it wasn't refreshing. So now I can appreciate cooler water swims.

I wouldn't do much of anything. Except get back into a training program. I've been puttering around with the training since IMCDA

Took top off in the water, and just walked up to T1. Calves cramped when I tried to pull them out of suit. URRG.
Took time to put on socks and shoes, put two gels and a baggy of pretzels in pockets and walked bike out of T1.

Figure out a better system to take along more supplies. Forgot my Clif Blok. Maybe invest in the bottle holder in the back of seat.

I screwed up on one of the first hill climbs by shifting from big ring to small in a small gear and threw my chain off, got it back on pretty fast but had to start from a dead stop on a hill.

I felt good about the average of speed out on the course. Had some yo yo passes with others. Pass me, but slow down a quarter mile away, so I would have to repass them....Did see the course referees penalty a rider for drafting.

I had a front brake rubbing when I got up out of the saddle in the climbs. Only happened on climbs and didn't want to stop to tinker with it.
Some of the downhills were great for speed. Hit my PB 43mph....Very spooky.

Not much training between IMCDA and the HIM. Couple 35 mile rides and shorter stuff.
I was happy with the ride though all things considered.

Changed socks, tore my bib number and had to jerry-rig it. Left T2, saw Wife and Butter, kissed wife and than remembered I needed to go to the Portajohn.

All the leftover waterbottles were warm/hot.

FREAKING HOT, no breeze on first loop. Some breeze on second loop. No clouds. Kept looking to run in the shade of trees along the streets. Aid Stations only had Gatorade and Water. Plus Powerbar Gels ( I've never tried them and wasn't going to start today).

Did the walk a little and than run as long as possible. Got better on the run as the day went on. Some of the climbs, it felt better to shuffle than to walk. Calves felt crampy during the power walk.

Lot of water was poured over my head and splashed in my face. NO ICE or SPONGES

Limited training hampered my run. Plus heat. I think my weight was around 207.

Got medal and was offered cold bottle of Gatorade and water. (no more gatorade for me). Notice a couple cots that had competitors getting attention and IVs.

Couldn't locate my wife, so wandered through the Aqua Fest food court and went and got my bike and gear. Secured gear and bike in the truck and walked back to finish area and found loved ones.


Limited Training from having Sore feet the last two weeks. Which weren't much a factor today, since I iced them alot last nite. (who have thought that icing would help).

No training in hot conditions.


Very congested area with the Aqua Fest going on...Next year they have locked into the 8th of July and have more money for racers (pros). Expect to have 1400 competitors.

The HIM went on at same time as the International Distance plus they had relay teams.

I signed up on the idea that it would be alot easier than IM. Yes it was, but still a workout.
Would probably do this next year as a prep for IM Canada (if I make the registration)