Lake Stevens 70.3 Triathlon World Qualifier - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Starting with the Pros I knew I was going to be swimming alone. I figured worst case I would come in at 28:30, when I saw the swim clock at over 30minutes I was a little pissed. All well...plenty of racing to go. the swim start was dreamy with only 20 guys. Didn't even have to think about being trampled.

Definitely need to get a new wetsuit. Mine is totally done, water just flows through the thing.
Normally I've been reasonably satisfied with my swim. Now though, starting with the likes of Chris Legh and those boys made me realze I need to step it up in a big way.

Being the last 'pro' out of the water I had my work cut out for me. I knew catching anyone would be a tough thing to do so I just set my sights on having a solid ride on my own. It turned out well, caught a few stragglers and came into T2 fueled and ready to run hard. Food on the bike was my standard 2 Ensures, half a fruitsource bar, and a gel. For liquid I had two bottles with NUUN and half a bottle of water to wash down the gel.

Some more food. I left myself a bit short on the run...had they had coke I may have been ok.

I had a solid run until 2.5km to go. I had thought for sure they'd have Coke on the run which usually gets me through the last 5km really strong. I sufferred without those calories but managed to keep it reasonably steady. Most Pro's were at 1:21, a few were super speedy at 1:15. All in all it was good and I have to be happy.
I got hungry at about 12km and had to pull out the fruit source bar. Took one bite to tide me over. Other than that I had my gel flask and water from the aid stations. Why didn't they have coke?? Races always have coke.

I enjoyed the course and my foray into the Pro race. I'm happy to have stayed infront of all the Age Groupers. I like beating Pros as an age grouper, but I'd hate to be a Pro who got beat by an age grouper.

I'll be Lining up for IM Canada as an Age Grouper though. Maybe next year I'll consider taking out a full time Pro license. We'll see, a good result in Canada will give me the confidence to make the jump.