Big George Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I tried to stay on the feet of Alex and Liam, but only lasted to the first buoy. After that I had trouble finding some consistent drafting, mostly just passing people from the waves in front of me. I actually felt like I raced the swim, something I struggle to do. Physically I don't think I could've gone much faster.

Try to draft more.

Really good T1 for me, got my suit off quickly and had a nice running jump onto the bike.

Not much

I figured going into this that I would need low 2:40:00 to stay within realistic range of Liam and give myself a shot at breaking 5 hours. I stayed controlled on the hills and kept the pressure during flats and downhills. My VI was 1.02 so I definitely was consistent in my effort. I also did great with nutrition, sticking to my plan the whole time. Near the end I realized I was going to be over 2:45:00 and I started getting a little bummed, but I just told myself I would have to run extra hard.

Not much, I think if I went any harder here I would've risked my run

Coming into T2 Leigh shouted out that Liam left T2 13 minutes ago, so I was about 14 behind him. Yikes! I was hoping for 10 minutes or less, I wasn't sure I could close a gap as large as 14 minutes. My T2 was great, 2nd fastest in the whole race.

Nothing

WOW. I knew my running training has been going really well, but I didn't expect this. Starting on the course I quickly calculated that I needed a 1:36:00 Half Marathon to break 5 hours, which was going to be tough. I laid down a hard pace and took advantage of my legs feeling good off the bike to power up the hill section. Once it flattened out I tried to keep the miles around 7:00 and waited until I saw Liam coming on the out and back. I made a mental note of the time and location when we high fived and exchanged encouragement, and hit that same spot less than 9 minutes later. If Leigh's statement was correct, I was closing the gap on him fast. I flew down the hills and back around to start my 2nd loop. Got a boost of encouragement from Leigh and some other friends spectating before heading back up the climb. The 2nd time going up was much harder than the first, but I refused to let my pace get above 7:30/mi and I knew it would be nothing but flats and downs if I could just get to the top. Nearing the turn around I saw Liam. I couldn't believe I was going to make the catch with over 3 miles still to go. I tapped him on the shoulder and tried to get him to stay with me so we could both go under 5. He was clearly spent and I was feeling strong so we weren't together for long. I had a dip in motivation when I realized I had no one else to chase, but I knew my body had been pushed to the limit and losing focus could easily cost me going sub-5. I finished strong and even had a little kick for the chute.

Nothing, AWESOME run for me

Walked around, chatted with friends and waited for Liam to come in. I stretched a bit while gathering food and fluids. What a race.


It wasn't a great year for swim training, but otherwise I think I killed this race. What a great way to end my 2013 Triathlon Season.


Love this race, will be back next year