Cardinal Harbour Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Race officials announced the water was 78 degrees and wetsuit legal. On Friday, the water was 82. 3 waves at 5 minutes apart - men 39 & younger, men 40 and older, then women, clyds, aqua/bike, relay, and all others. Each wave started from treading water start. The water was very warm. Glad I did not wear a wetsuit - I would have been too warm. I started in the front 3rd of my wave. Crowded start, but it somewhat cleared out. Treading water for about 3 minutes helped me feel warmed up and I was able to find my pace fairly quickly. The course was well marked, but I had problems sighting. Not sure why. I could feel swimming against the current on the way out. It was a good swim. but I did get off course some due to sighting issues. Exit the water and then run along the side of transition to the entrance Swim time ends when enter transition.

Much of the bike course is on the ironman Louisville bike course, including miles on 42 and the out & back on 1694. The course is hilly with lots of rollers and a few big hills. Very early in the ride, around mile 8 or so, a girl started drafting off of me. She was right on my tail for a few miles. I didn't want to get called for drafting and she was pissing me off. i finally slowed down and she then passed. A few miles later, I found my pace (it takes me a while) and I then passed her and others. I usually feel stronger after about 15-20 miles on the bike and this race was no different. There were some volunteers on the course and at most of the turns, however, not enough. The support was minimal. 2 water/Heed stops. No port-a-potty's. I stopped once during the bike to pee along side the road. I also had to stop and un-clip at 2 intersections and wait for traffic. There were no police at these intersections stopping traffic. This was a race & not a ride! They needed police and more volunteers at the turns and intersections to assist with traffic. The wind started to pick up the last half of the ride. It really made coming back in rough. A strong headwind and the hills really slowed down the pace. I did see Jenn and Tammy on the course! Tammy had the biggest smile on her face!!! It was great to see them out there. The last 5 miles or so of the bike course were on a very narrow, curvy, and steep downhill, road. I rode the brakes. Hubby said he saw lots of racers coming in bloody from crashing here. I was not happy with this section of the course. It was too dangerous for a race. I tried to push my pace and race hard. It was a tough ride with the hills and wind, but very good practice for Louisville IM.

Run out of Cardinal Harbour and to a 3 loop course. Most of the course was flat, but there were a few rolling hills. No port-a-potty's on the course. Glad I didn't have to pee! There were 2 support stops on the course. Pass one 3 times and the other 4 times. I like a loop course, but 3 times was a bit much. :-) It was nice to see people. I saw David, Jeremy, and Mike on the course. The cooler weather really helped. Kenny (Garrett's (Grit Nugget) friend - ) was volunteering at the stop we pass 4 times. He was great - cheering me on each time I passed. This was very helpful!! My ankle started hurting during the 3rd loop. My ankle was swelling from the infection and the open infection area started rubbing on my sock and shoe. I had the area wrapped, but of course it all came off during the swim. I was so happy to be done with that 3rd loop!! Kenny was yelling for me to keep up my pace to the finish. I was trying - I keep looking at the garmin to keep it under an 8:30 min mile. I saw Jenn starting her run as I was heading back. She looked like she was having a great day. Passing the Cardinal Harbour was mentally tough. I, and many others, thought we would turn back in there. Nope... keep running about about 2 miles down the road. By this point, My ankle road rash was really hurting. I was doing everything I could to keep a strong pace. Then, we turned off the road into the grass. This was then most difficult part of the run. Although, the grass had been cut, it was still too long. The ground was uneven and it would have been easy to turn a ankle. This was a very tough was to finish.

Walked around a bit. Packed up my gear in transition. Waited at the finish line for David, Jeremy, and Mike. We then headed to the Club house for food. They did have plenty of food. I jumped in the club house pool to cool off. Went back to the finish line to see Jenn and then Tammy finish. It was fun to see so many BTers finish the race.


I pushed myself hard on this race and am happy with the result. I enjoyed racing on a "practice course" for ironman Louisville. It is also fun to meet up with so many BTers. This race could be improved. The volunteer at packet pick up could not answer any questions about the race. They need to be informed. The race started late. The start time could be earlier. There were only 3 port-apotty's at transition and NONE on the entire course. The support on the bike course was minimal. More police and volunteers were needed. Despite the negative points about the race, is was fun. This is a great race to prepare for IM Louisville conditions! I had a good, fun race and a nice time meeting up with all the BTers.