Mooseman Triathlon Festival - Half Iron Distance - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

This was my best swim to date. I know some people would be horrified at the time but I was thrilled to be under 50 min. I hung in w/ people for 2/3 of the race before I faded. I stayed on course, turned tight around the buoys and swam strong to the finish. I dealt w/ the chop, getting bumped and swallowing a big gulp of water from a wave. And it seemed to go by pretty quick. And I LOVE my sleeveless wetsuit. Those other people shivering in fullsuits, gloves, footies, etc... are wimps. LOL

Keep swimming. I feel like I have finally figured a good stroke for me. Now I just need to put the laps in the pool to get stronger and faster. Also more OWS to get better at sighting and swimming straight.

Wetsuit strippers are great. They got the suit off in no time. I was surprised that I was not a little dizzy or wobbly coming out of the water. I have serious motion sickenss issues and the water was a little choppy. The ear plugs seem to really help.

I got my shoes and helmet on. My feet weren't too sandy but they were frozen. I didn't feel them again until the run. UGH! Drank 1/2 bottle of Accelerade and grabbed a handful of sports beans.

Not much - I wasn't looking to set any speed records here. I was more concerned about getting myself together and ready for a good bike.

This was a challenging bike course and I'm very glad that I had a ride around Deep Creek, MD (Savageman territory) before coming here. I really wanted to keep a 16mph pace up but ended up w/ just over 15mph. Devil's Hill is a b*tch but it is only a small part of the course. The back side is actually tougher in the sense of long, slow climbs for several miles.

My first lap felt pretty good and my split said 15.9 mph but once I hit 30miles it started to become work. Still I talked myself through it and kept chugging away. Just like the swim I hung w/ most people for 2/3 of the ride then fell back a little.

Funny side note: This other woman and I were riding close enough to pass each other at times. When we passed the 50 mile mark, the first elite male riders starting passing us but only 4 from 50 mile mark to the entrance of the park. No big deal - I kind of figured it would happen since I started 15 min. later, swam 25 min. slower and was going about 7-8 mph slower on the bike.

So we pass the leader about 2 miles past the park entrance as he had started his run. The funny thing is we get to the first climb on the course (2nd lap) before Devil's Hill and we are chugging along. Next thing we know, he comes running past. I was like damn - how fast is this guy running up the hill (about 6.5 mph - I looked at my bike computer). She rides by me saying "that adds insult to injury. First he passes us on the bike then on the run." We just laughed and passed him on the downhill. Ha! And I'm glad to say I did nto see him again on course.

More riding outside before the race and more hills. The trainer is not substitute for the road no matter how hard you ride. Big drop from lap1 to lap 2 - I'm sure more time riding will solve that problem. Also learn to drink on the bike from something other than my aero bottle. I stopped and got off my bike early on lap 2 to drink 1/2 bottle of gatorade. I figured I needed some more calories other than the goldfish in my bento box.

I was happy to get off the bike and start to feel my feet again. Got my bike racked and running stuff on. I also grabbed the Bonk Bar out of my bag and walked towards the exit while eating it.

Again I was not trying to be fast but smart. I knew it was going to be a long day and rushing through transition was not in my best interest.

This run course was a beast too but I train on hills and have done several very hilly half marathons and marathon. I knew that I didn't have the gas left in the tank for my usual run and I was also having some intestinal issues from the gatorade. I was already relived that I would complete my goal of finishing so the pressure was off. My mental fortitude was not strong enough to push me to hurt on the run so I just decided to get through it on good shape.

I walked when I needed, took plenty of fluids and ate as my guts would allow me. I had a early pee break and chatted with volunteers and competitors as I went by. It was tough and a long day but I was so happy to see the finish chut. I almost shed a tear or two at finishing but kept it together. My kids came running in to see me and asked if they could go get ice cream. Daddy had been holding that over their heads all day so I was a welcome sight. LOL I had really wanted to keep it under 7 hrs. but who cares - I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!

Nothing - coming off the bike in better condition and avoiding things that upset my insides will give me the run I am capable of.

I ate a little and got in the food line. I really wanted to stand in the lake for an ice type bath and get a maasge. But alas I was back in the real world. The kids were tired and the hubby wornout - none of which I blame anyone. It was a long day plus it was starting to sprinkle.

So we gobbled down some food, ice cream and gathered the stuff. Tony rode my bike back to the truck then picked us up at the park. Bless him - I love my bike but I didn't want to get back on!

We went back to the ho-in-tel as my 2 yr. called it, ate pizza and drank a cold beer. That beer tasted so good. :-)


Several weeks ago, I read this article written by some DC area running coach about suggesting time limits on marathons and HIMs and making me feel ashamed of a 7 hr. HIM. His reasoning was if it took you that long you would be suffering and not want to do it again. I was shooting for 6hr30m but my ultimate goal was to finish. I think he can stick it in his ear. NOw I'm looking forward to PR my next HIM.

The time limitis were giving me some serious doubts that I could do the race. So I was getting down on myself before the race even started. But once race morning was there, I was all business and ready to give it my best.

Lots of things limited ability to perform faster but I learned a lot and look forward to applying my new found knowledge to my next training plan.


Keith puts on an awesome race. My family and I had a great time. The kids loved the kids zone, the Moose and the beach. Great food for everyone and lots of great swag. We are all looking forward to going to more of his races in the future.