Ironman 70.3 Virginia's Blue Ridge - Triathlon

I only started going back to the pool in late April. My training goal was a pretty low bar: make sure I could cover the distance. Done. And the result reflects that exactly..

It was a 4 person at a time time trial start off of a dock. Worked perfectly well and the start line moved steadily. I seeded myself with the 35-39 minute group. Nothing much report about the effort; it felt like I was all over the course but probably not horrible since there wasn't much chop and only a few swells towards the end. I couldn't stay on anyone's feet consistently but at least made attempts as a few faster swimmers went past. Finished the segment ready to be out of the water but not totally gassed either.

Probably work a little harder in training. I don't know, does anyone else think that helps?

Getting my wetsuit off was a great comedy. Completely stuck on my heels and no amount of cursing at the time the damn thing was costing me was making a difference. In reality, probably cost about one minute but it seemed like ten.

The bike exit was a surprise: the mount line comes well after you exit the swim corral and run up a short but wicked hill. Lots of 'WTF's?' from the people around me.

Bring back the strippers!

I'm in better run shape than bike; my plan was to save myself for a strong split off the bike, so I deliberately took it easy until the climb at mile 23-ish. Once on the 'Claw', I was going about as hard as I could(really not much choice) and hoping not to burn all the matches. It's 5 or so miles at average 7% grade with some pitches in the low teens. No one was in anything but their lowest gear and I stopped scrounging for an easier one after a couple of miles. People walking towards the top. The hill summits about a mile on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which was closed for the race(now there's something you don't see every day). Continued rollers until a long descent and then more rollers into Roanoke. Reader's Digest version: the course is tough but not hysterically so. The views on the BRP are just awesome even when you're catching your breath from the climb. A true signature experience and very different from the ordinary. Well done, RD.

I had a plan to ease up and I was mindful of my nutrition. I executed the plan, BUT...(see run comments)

I decided to give the hammies a stretch. LOL - cramp city!

It was hot. Legs felt pretty good out of the chute but within a couple of miles the run became an exercise in walking as little as possible. I passed lots of people, especially on the second loop but it's not like I was covering myself in run split glory. I had expected sub1:50 and had a wishing-for-a-pony dream about sub1:45 but neither was to be. I remain optimistic about achieving those results at my next 70.3 in Oct where it's not likely going to be so soul-crushingly hot.

The course was very nice; the segments on the run path were congested but overall I thought there was enough variation in the scenery to keep things fun.

Slowest run split in a while but legs definitely trained up to go faster so no regrets. It was all left on the course..

Oh, yeah..I got a slot to the 70.3 WC's in St George. There was a HUGE allocation of spots so my 14th place didn't even need a roll-down. I did not take the spot; I'm already racing in North Carolina in Oct and the idea of going out West to get my hat handed to me in an absurdly fast field has minimal appeal. Still, it'll be nice to say I qualified..once.

Took me a while to collect myself..


First year race came off beautifully, thanks to the awesome volunteers. Challenging race compared to the flat courses I've done recently and it was a welcome difference.