Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga - Triathlon

Swim was stress free. We started 4 across on a dock every 10 seconds. Sat on the dock and just slid into the water. Lots of room in the river for everyone. No one swimming over me. I felt like I seeded myself appropriately. I even caught up to Stephen from the tri club.

Nothing

The transition area was huge with over 3000 bikes. It was rectangular. I was the first rack at the back which was right where we entered from the swim and exited for the run but furthest from the bike in/out. I had a 1/4 mile run in the transition area from my rack to the bike mount. The transition area was a parking lot. I opted to run in my socks vs my bike shoes which was smart.

Bike location in the transition is just based on when you grab your packet. You just deal what you are dealt with. There are always pro and cons to whereever your bike ends up.

Course was a lollipop. The stick part of lollipop had some bumpy surfaces, railroad tracks. I did my best on the hills. My ‘cateye’ did not connect so I was not able to see my speed. The headwind on the back half of the course with the hills adding some challenge.

Living in Wilmington I don’t have hills to practice on but this course looks similar to Lahti. I might need to do more strength training on my legs and more Zwift rides with hills. I was only 2 minutes faster than 2018 which I was a little disappointed with because I feel like I am a better biker but I don’t recall having headwind last time. I can’t complain…I averaged 20 mph for course. I’ll take it.

Again I took my bike shoes off right after I dismounted to run the 1/4 mile on the pavement back to my bike rack.

I dropped a pack of Gu chews while running and turned around and went back and got them…why? Who knows, I had a 2 other gels with me and there was nutrition on the course.

I am VERY pleased with my run off the bike. 1st in my age group which means I caught a lot of ladies on the run. I had no goal for the run. Just ran by feel and felt pretty good the whole time.

Nothing. I wanted to PR this run couse. I did in 1:44 in 2018 so taking 10 minutes off was awesome!

Found Scott and cheered for Tri Club friends!


Maybe the headwind on the bike but honestly I did my best.


Great 70.3 venue and race course. Swim is enjoyable and not stressful, bike is rolling but can be fast and run is fun with lots of fan support! This course is challenging but not impossible. I PR this course by 10 minutes as I did it in 5:16 in 2018. I would definitely recommend this race to anyone and everyone.