Firmman Half Iron Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Laura did the swim and did a great job with some good size swells and a difficult course to navigate

we rocked this transition, Laura came running in, I quickly moved the timing chip from her leg to Kathy's and then she was off on the bike

Kathy did an awesome job on the bike course which had a very long hilly section and a strong headwind on the way in

another quick transition, I grabbed the chip, put it on my ankle and I was gone

I really wanted to have a good run, however I knew my legs were tired from racing the previous 2 weekends including Rock and Roll 1/2 the prior weekend. I wanted to go out at a good pace and hold steady for as long as I could. I started strong, looked at my watch and my first mile was 9:10, more than a minute faster than my race pace should be, oops. I tried to bring it down and settled into a pretty good pace for the next few miles.

The hills were bothering the girl from the flatlands, but I was managing them. Pam (from the other BT relay team) came past me around mile 5 1/2; I tried to stay with her but she was a little to fast for me. I went back to my original pace (~10:15 miles) but by mile 7 I was starting to tire a bit. After the uphill at mile 10 my legs were starting to get sore and by mile 11 1/2 I was having major cramping in both legs. It got to the point where I could only run about 20 paces and then I would get major pain in my left calf; I'd walk it out it would be better, I'd run again and it would come back. I was very frustrated, walked most of the last mile. I wanted to give a strong finish, but my legs wouldn't go. The finishing stretch over the sand put me over the edge. I did manage to jog the last bit to the finish but my legs were done.

Since there were several out and back parts to this run course I was able to see a few of the other BT'rs who were doing this race; seeing familiar faces out there definitely helped; thanks to all of you. :)

not go out so fast, train on hills, figure out why I was cramping so much, I was taking gu's and sports drink like I usually do; I have no idea what happened out there

got my medal on one each for my teammates, sat on a bench for a little while and the tried to get some food; I felt super dizzy while I was standing in the food line, once I sat down I felt a bit better; I've never felt so bad at the end of a race


too many races, major leg cramps, my slow running ability :)


I thought this was a good race. I really enjoyed hanging out with Kathy and meeting more BT people at the race. Kudo's to my teammates Kathy and Laura for doing a great job with their part of the race, I wish I had helped my team more, but I warned them that I was a slow runner. :)