Ironman 70.3 Racine - Triathlon

Good overall swim for me. Water was cold 60.6 degrees, but after the first few hundred meters, did not notice it much. Had to cough out water at about 100 meters (swift kick to the face, and inhale), and about Mile 1, but overall slow, steady, and confident. Lake Michigan was calm, no whitecaps, but had an odd sort of riptide feel to it, where it was swirling you around. Out of the water in 48 minutes.

Nothing. Was in a good spot at the start, behind the fasties, ahead of the backstrokers.

Wetsuit strippers! Best thing ever. Had a great volunteer and was out of that thing about 3 minutes faster than I can ever do myself, thank you! Also had volunteers applying sunscreen as needed.

Terrible road conditions from about Mile 15 to Mile 50. Think of a rough city street near you with a noticeable bump every half block... for 35 miles. Jarring to the back, shoulders, elbows. Next morning had a pinch flat and a ruined tire.

Had planned on a comfortable 19mph based on last year and my last 55 training ride, averaged 16mph. From mile 35 on, had to stand and stretch back often.

Honey Stingers at Mile 5, 25, 45. That pattern has been good to me.

Good location of aid stations, well manned, grabbed a fresh Gatorade.
About 25 minutes behind plan on the bike.

Gloves and/or sleeves? Wear something to help absorb the shock from the course.

In and out, no fuss, no muss. A little more sunscreen.

Nothing, hard to screw up T2.

Most recent stand alone 13.1 was a 1:57, planned a 2:20 and hit my goal. 10 minute miles, with a little walking / stretching near aid stations. At 6 mile mark, was right on schedule. Felt steady.

Not wear my visor upside down when approach a photographer.

Grab the family and go. Usually stick around for the post-race, which looked fun, but leaving for vacation and had a 3+ hour drive.


Let the bike wear me down mentally.


Great venue, great organization, great volunteers, terrible bike course. So close to being a 5 star, need to do it every year kind of race. Lots of parking and viewing spots for family. Recommend Steelhead instead for a very similar course and location.