LongHorn Triathlon Festival - Half Iron - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Last wave- relays and Clydestales together. Yikes! I was a little nervous before the start knowing the big guys were going at the same time as me. I felt really strong though with no shortness of breath at the beginning. I settled in pretty good right off the bat. I did very well at keeping my energy reserves for the whole race knowing this (I thought) would be my longest race distance to date. Down the first stretch, there was this big guy who I swear couldn't keep his hands off me. It seemed he knew I was just in a bathing suit and was reaching for me. Then again he did have on a nose plug, some major goggles and a glint of nervousness in his eyes. He might have just been scared out of his mind in the water and was reaching for anything. Still, I passed him and gave him a little reminder (soft, gentle kick) that he'd better hang on someone else if he needed help.

I breathe much better on my right so I did that most of the race. Because my sighting was doing so well, I wasn't concerned that bouys were on the left. When I did switch and breathe to my left I would pull to my right. Wierd. I'll need to work on equaling out my strength in the off season.

The course was definately short. By how much, I don't know. When it was all done, I realized I'd left a lot out in the water. More to conquer next time.

Do a wet suit swim day before knowing that it was wet suit legal race. Don't hold back as much. It's just a 35 minute swim. Taking mental notes for next year, I can make up nutrition on the bike if need be.

I ran up the hill from the water the whole way! It's a long run compared to other races.

Chip pass-off to Kelley went great. Go Kelley, go! Ride like the wind!

Nothing.

Walked around to catch my breath. Gathered my things and walked with Mike, Madi, Gary, Robin (and her daughter) back to the tailgate area and set up for the rest of the day.

Today helped boost my confidence knowing that I have one out of the three sports "done" as I set my sights on a full half iron race next year. Kelley (relay partner doing the bike AND run) wasn't feeling well with her stomach issues and all. I just wanted to make sure I did my very best for our relay team so she could focus just on herself for the rest of the race.



No wetsuit maybe? Hydrodynamics- just keep focusing on going faster in the off season.


The bus pick up/drop off was delayed due to people walking to race site (instead of riding the bus) and doing so in the road. This limited buses getting back to pick up more people at the expo. Suggestion? Do body marking at the expo for athletes waiting in line. This bus issue delayed the race start by about 15 minutes.

Swim course was short. With all the complaints over it, there's no doubt it will be correct next year. The tailgate area was an incredable idea. Thank you Ainsley! It gave groups or family and friends a chance to set up an area in comfort to cheer on their athletes. I know we were loud- our incredible BT group. The food and music were second to none. I'll be back next year- maybe just as a spectator or volunteer or just relay but mostly to cheer athletes on with this difficult course.