Ironman Kansas 70.3 - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

The swim went very well. I didn't get any breath fulls of water. The only problem I had was once we started catching the earlier waves I was running into people that were perpendicular to me. Not quite sure what they were thinking, but maybe that's why they were still in the water. My navigation was very good and was signting every 5-8 strokes and I was right on path. There was a long run from the water to the transition area so swim was probably atleast 30 seconds faster.

Try to draft a little more.

I thought this transition went very well. With this distance I hesitated for a second to ensure that I had everything that I needed. I got onto my bike and into my shoes very well.

Just tried to be faster.

The whole time on the bike I kept asking myself if I was going to fast and was going to bonk. I was constantly passing people. I probably had less than 25 people pass me on the bike but probably passed a few hundred. I did hit part of a water bottle at the bottom of a hill as the guy infront of me moved at the last minute and left me no option. Didn't affect my bike or ride but made me think twice about being safe.

My race wheels that I rented felt really good. I would like to purchase a pair of them but need to save up the money first. I did the lose the spongy thing on my aero bottle on the second leg but it didn't affect me.

I thought that I gave it my all on the bike. Not sure what I would have done to improve this time. More time on the bike and more hill training both would help but I thought I left all that I could have out on the bike course.

Maybe just climbed harder on the hills although I passing people like crazy on them. Not sure.... :(

The dismount went very well. I did spin my legs out the last 2 minutes on the bike, so the legs felt great. I racked the bike very successfully, put the socks and shoes on very smoothly. As I was walking away from my transition area, I ran back and grabbed two of my Powerbar Green Apple gels. I believed that they would have the Strawberry-Banana flavored ones on the course but thought I better be safe than sorry.

I would have just grabbed my gels right away. Also I'm looking for a pair of race flats possibly Zoots so I don't need to wear socks which would cut down on some time.

I got off the run and worried I was going to bonk due to my aggressive bike. I got off and my first mile was 7:29!! I was stoked. I knew that I needed to just focus on keep putting one foot infront of the other. My legs were feeling good and then at mile 4 they started to hurt and I got nervous. I walked through the aid station and must have just needed some fluids.

I caught a guy and then ran with him for 4 miles or so and used him as a pacer. I told him that my goal was for 6 hours and said we were on pace for 5:20 which made me 2nd guess this guy. But after finding out he's done Kona and ran Boston, I had faith in him. I wasn't sure if I could keep this pace as we were only at the halfway mark but though 5:30 should be possible.

I just kept running, seeing my parents and uncle were encouraging (I saw them I think between 8-10 times on the run). As I hit mile 10 I could see the clouds were getting darker and moving towards us. I picked it up and just keep going knowing I had to finish before the storm got there. With a mile left I caught a gal and conversed with her for a few mins saying that it was GO time if we wanted to be done before the storm hit. Just as we hit the last 300 yds the wind came up and dropped 10-15 degrees. I sprinted the finish and crossing the finish line was an undescribable feeling.

Mile 1-7:29
Mile 2-8:31
Mile 3-8:37
Mile 4-8:25
Mile 5-8:19
Mile 6-8:12
Mile 7-8:27
Mile 8-10:24
Mile 9-8:30
Mile 10-9:26
Mile 11-9:20
Mile 12-9:52
Mile 13-9:40

I slacked on my running at times during the training and would like to have just had a better base. This will be my goal for Boulder as I would like run a faster half-ironman after getting off the bike.

We (my support crew and me) decided that I needed to get them my equipment so they could load it up before the rain hit. My uncle and dad took my bike and equipment as I headed to the bathroom to change out of my race outfit.


I am not sure. I keep thinking how I could get closer to the pros and leaders in my age group but I am going to have to do some thinking to figure that out. With this only being my 2nd season, just more time with every discipline.


I thought this race was very well run due to the circumstances. If the storm would have stayed away it would have been awesome to stick around and watch others finish. If I was closer to this race next year I might possibly do it but I don't plan to travel to it again as the weather there this time of the year can be very sketchy. But I am now a HALF-IRONMAN!! Which full to do now :)