Ironman 70.3 Austin - Triathlon

Had not swim for two months before the event. Thursday before race day, I did a 30 minute open water swim to "test the water" and found that I would be able to do "ok" on the swim. I generally swim faster, but considering the lack of training I was happy with my results.

Train

Transition was okay, with a smooth uphill run out of the water. Took my suit off down to waist while running and removed it upon finding my bike. Stopped to drink some water from my bag and fumbled putting on my sunglasses (prescription...i dont do contacts). Had to put on helmet 3 different times because glasses would not fit right. I added a strap on the back of my glasses to keep them from sliding down, which worked but I need more practice putting on glasses with strap before helmet. Put on shoes (had to, no choice here) and walked bike out through nice wet mud and grass.

nothin

Saw a lot of people with flats. A few parts of the course we had to share the road with cars and trucks and made everyone slow down. Very dangerous! I was driven off the road by another cyclist trying to pass during the congested section - rear wheel slid, I just slowed down and stayed upright to prevent a fall. I raced on slicks and was very happy that they did not give out on me (had heard a lot of bad stories about people getting flats with slicks after rain). At about mile 30 a bee found its way inside my helmet and I kept going for about 5 minutes. I stopped to remove my helmet, flicked the bee off, and kept going. Did not stop at any aid station, and just had my GU and water. I was surprised I was able to average over 20 mph considering I dont have a tri bike.

Nothing.

Pretty standard transition. Fumbled untying my bag a bit but helped my catch my breath from the last bike sprint. Changed socks, shoes on, put racebelt on, and out I went.

Tie bag with an easier knot

Three loops: First loop I got a cramp on both my legs going up a hill, started running backwards until cramp went away and continued to next aid station to hydrate. Had water and Perform. Second and third lap I found a runner running around my pace (Ali from EP, TX) and we ran and chatted for two laps. Made the run much more enjoyable and helped me keep a good comfortable pace. Again, due to lack of training I did not want to push myself and have poor performance. Sprinted the last 1/4 mile and passed a few people from my age group. Overall a good run.

Train

Massage and food and a nice cold coke. Stretched for a few minutes as well.


Lack of training.


Great volunteers, but traffic was terrible morning of race. A few athletes came in running due to the traffic after transition was closed. I hope everyone got to race. Overall, good race especially for my first HIM.