IRONMAN Chattanooga 70.3 - Triathlon


View Member's Race Log View other race reports
Chattanooga, Tennessee
United States
23C / 73F
Overcast
Total Time = 4h 55m 11s
Overall Rank = 418/2887
Age Group = M 45-49
Age Group Rank = 44/357
Pre-race routine:

Got up at 4AM and my wife dropped me off close to transition at 5h15AM. Weather was overcast. Forecast was for heavy rain during the race so this was a very pleasant surprise.Got set up in transition and headed for the shuttle bus that would transport us to the swim start.
Event warmup:

The swim start was a rolling start with self seeding. Meaning we were were all funneled through to the start. Once you stepped on the mat, you jumped into the water and your race started. The race was delayed and swim shortened after the male and female pros had difficulty swimming upstream in the Tennessee River to the first buoy. The race director then decided to shorten the swim course from 1.2 miles to 0.8 miles all downstream for all the age groupers. This was a little disappointing but the right call.
Swim
  • 18m 35s
  • 0 yards
  • / 100 yards
Comments:

The swim was much easier since it was downstream and much shorter. Although the Tennessee River is narrow at that spot, I did not find the swim congested. My time was very quick. I am not that strong a swimmer as my time indicated, thanks current!
What would you do differently?:

Nothing
Transition 1
  • 04m 58s
Comments:

The run from shore to transition was not short so this was a decent transition. Wetsuit strippers helped the transition process.
What would you do differently?:

Think less and get out quicker.
Bike
  • 2h 40m 25s
  • 56 miles
  • 20.95 mile/hr
Comments:

This was a very busy bike course. I think because of the shorter swim it really bunched a lots of athletes together. I have done many triatlhons before and have never seen such congestion on the bike course. At times, I was in a group of 20-30 cyclists and was boxed in. When I had a chance, I made a burst to get away from the group. Only to be caught 3-4 minutes later when I was fueling up. I did this 4-5 times in the race and I think it actually helped my bike split. It made it a tactical bike course which was different and fun. Many athletes are just not calling ON YOUR LEFT when passing which is dangerous. Had a solid bike leg.
What would you do differently?:

Nothing
Transition 2
  • 04m 10s
Run
  • 1h 47m 3s
  • 13.1 miles
  • 08m 10s  min/mile
Comments:

It wasn't a scorcher so I was able to run well and reel people in (running is my strongest of the 3). First half of the race I was feeling good until KM 11 where I got a bad side stitch cramp. This lasted for about a KM and was able thankfully to make it go away with breathing and stretching. After the cramp went way, I still felt good and kept passing athletes which was motivating. Crossed the bridge to see the lovely sign of 2nd loop/finish for the second time. Now I was able to select finish this time. What a lovely finish this race has, all downhill wide open chute to the finish to cheering spectators. Got to the carpeted area and let out a scream of joy for a great race.
What would you do differently?:

Nothing
Post race
Warm down:

Met my wife at finish, stretched and had lunch.

Event comments:

Chattanooga is an excellent venue for a 70.3 race. City is nice and the race is right downtown. Volunteers were excellent. Loved the tropical themed aid stations we crossed a few times.




Last updated: 2017-05-23 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:18:35 | 00 yards | / 100yards
Age Group: 50/357
Overall: 430/2887
Performance: Good
Suit: yes
Course: 1.2 miles downstream
Start type: Plus:
Water temp: 75F / 24C Current: Low
200M Perf. Remainder:
Breathing: Drafting:
Waves: Navigation:
Rounding:
T1
Time: 04:58
Performance: Average
Cap removal: Helmet on/
Suit off:
Wetsuit stuck? Run with bike:
Jump on bike:
Getting up to speed:
Biking
02:40:25 | 56 miles | 20.95 mile/hr
Age Group: 72/357
Overall: 581/2887
Performance: Good
Wind: Little
Course: Lots of rollers, not flat but not as hilly as I expected since it was in the Appalachian mountains. Most of the ride was in Georgia.
Road:   Cadence:
Turns: Cornering:
Gear changes: Hills:
Race pace: Drinks:
T2
Time: 04:10
Overall: Average
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike
Running with bike
Racking bike
Shoe and helmet removal
Running
01:47:03 | 13.1 miles | 08m 10s  min/mile
Age Group: 44/357
Overall: 418/2887
Performance: Good
Course: This is a challenging yet lovely 2 loop run course. Ran through downtown Chattanooga and over the 2 bridges twice. That pedestrian bridge with rail ties is wonderful!
Keeping cool Drinking
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Good
Mental exertion [1-5] 5
Physical exertion [1-5] 5
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Average
Race evaluation [1-5] 5