Gulf Coast Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Big waves at start, felt better on the way back then on the way out. Managed to stay close to all buoys had good spotting considering the conditions. Pace was close to what I was hoping for (I wanted 1:50 min/100 meters)

I haven't gotten much practice since last summer, only about 3 or 4 swim sessions, so I guess I gotta get more in.

Not too bad...still gotta figure how to work the watch...I spend a lot of time getting it around my wrist and buckled in

Work on socks and watch

24.2 average up to mile 35, didn't have to drink at all. Then got the headwinds on the way back. Got to see Tonya twice since she started before me. There was a peleton of 15 or so bikers, led and trailed with them for 5 miles or so but dropped back for fear of drafting penalty. No flats or broken spokes. Could barely muster 20 MPH for last 10 miles. Bike pace was below goal (23.5 MPH), but reasonably close.

drink more, but it was long, and it wasn't a bad time, so I'm happy with it.

Went wrong way in transition, getting better at T2...hopefully will get under 1:00 some race

Go right way in transition

Started off at 6:30 pace. Pace dropped off quickly after start, legs were very dead after bike ride. Goal was 7:45 pace, I got 8:28 officially, but watch said 8:16 and mileage matched up for first 12 miles...final mile registered almost 1.5! Saw Tonya when she was at mile 3 and I was at mile 10, said Hi! Ran whole race holding sponges to keep cool, had to drink at every station. But managed to keep pace low enough to keep finish time under 5 h which was my goal:)

I heard I've been training for the run all wrong, so I will try out more long, low intensity runs, think that will help me hold my pace better

Searching for food, found line for food but it was stuff you had to pay for (and it was all meat products)...eventually just walked back to bag and finished breakfast cookie. Talked to a couple of athletes after finishing and they pointed me to the patio where the free food was being served. Good stuff :)


Endurance. But, this was my first half-ironman, so I am just learning what to expect from the longer races.

Though I didn't meet any of my pace goals, I managed to keep under 5 h. Gotta work hard this summer to a) be able to finish IM and b) get under 10hours (hopefully!)

Tend to get really competitive, there were some really incredible athletes out there...really am happy with getting under 5 hours, but still want to do better...


Good race.