Great Illini Half-Iron Distance Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I placed myself right in the middle to help get me used to swimming with the masses. Still not my favorite and things shook out pretty quickly. The buoys were far enough apart that the group dispersed pretty quickly. It reminded me of the Seinfeld episode where Kramer pained over the lines on the highway to make luxury lanes. This seemed like a really long 1.2 mile swim. I was off by at least 5 minutes but everyone else swam the same distance. Took me the first bit out to get adjusted and then about halfway through I found my groove. It was a really nice lake to swim in.

I'd like to find the aggressiveness I have on the bike and run during the swim.

I took my time ... it was a long race, I saw no reason to blow through transition like a bat out of hell.

Nothing.

Cycling without my Garmin was an interesting experience. I had to really pay attention to my energy levels, fatigue and fight with my mind to stay focused. I spent a lot of time thinking about my friend Steve and how lucky I was to be out on the course. Here's a guy fighting for his life and I'm out for 6+ hours of fun. I also spent a lot of time looking for "the competition" and I was sufficiently satisfied I was in front of most, if not all, the women in my group.

Bring my watch. Maybe push a bit harder.

Again, I wasn't too concerned with getting out of transition. I felt good but I wanted to make sure that I had everything I needed for the run.

Nothing.

This hurt. Almost immediately. I ran the first two miles straight through ... something I hadn't done all summer. I ran/walked the remaining 11ish. Hot, hot, hot. At the end of the first loop, some of the water stations ran out so that had me worried. I got to see my son and husband at the turn around (with lots of cowbell!), which really lifted my spirits. Feet started cramping on the second loop but I managed to get through that will just a bit of adjustment. Overall, I'm pretty happy with the run.

It really helped seeing people I knew out on the run too. A huge shout out to MJ, Glenn, Steve and Katie for all the support out there. Also to the other racers. Lots of smiles and supportive statements to one another. Made it all a bit easier.

Coming off injury this season, it's hard to say what I'd do differently.

The best part of the day was crossing the finish line with my little guy. Afterward, I stretched, got some food and headed back into the lake for a cooldown dip. That felt great.


Lack of a watch, coming off injury. But believe me, I am not at all dissappointed with this race. It was my first at this distance and I am thrilled to have finished.


Good race. Very well organized. Nice people/volunteers. Not the most interesting run course but heck, I wasn't there for the scenery.