Ironman Texas

Canal, swim exit to the right

Ironman Texas..well, I finished. I can't say much more about my performance than that. However, it was a good course, I had a fun time, and an awesome home stay. The swim course was pretty good. I could see how age groupers would have a difficult time in the narrow canal. My swim time was alright, I got in a pack of people and just cruised along, goal in swim accomplished.

Bike Course

I hopped on my bike and headed out, picking up speed quickly into a 90 degree turn with barricades on either side. I was wet, my bike was wet from dew, and I wasn't quite used to the brakes on the race wheels. This all combined for a nice little wipe out within the first mile of the bike. Bad news is I had to bike over 111 miles on a TT bike with road rash on my elbow. Good new, my injuries were no worse than road rash and a nice large bruise on my hip.

The rest of my bike was a bit less than stellar. I had minor issues throughout but no other major issues other than being much slower than I had hoped. My elbow bothered me on and off, it's hard to say how much it really affected me, physically and mentally.

My run started off at an ok pace for 16 miles. The pace I was going would have made for the slower end of my goal run time. Except after mile 16 everything fell apart. I couldn't drink enough, I didn't have enough calories, my knee started to hurt, and I kind-of wanted to cry! The last 10 miles of this race were probably some of the hardest miles I have ever done. I did finish, but now wonder if that was even the best decision as my leg still isn't quite right.

 The race was far from what I had hoped and thought I was capable off, but I learned a lot and overall had a great time in Texas. Thanks to everyone who supported me along the way- DiscountTriSupply.com, Kyle's Bikes, TYR, Krueger Chiropractic, my parents, my homestay, and all my other friends and family.

Galveston Race Report and Training Since

Galveston Race Training Report- the day ended up as much more of a great IM Texas training day than an actual race. I think the days and weeks leading up to the race were just too jammed packed with everything for me to really feel like I could race. Too much work, training, life, everything. Not enough sleep, rest, or just time to sit down or think. From the very beginning of the bike I just didn't have any of that 'extra' to give to actually be able to race. In the end I like to think that is all good news for IM Texas, that that leaves me with more of a build up leading to IM Texas so when I do get real and adequate rest (in all areas of life).

Running

My uncle. No shirt. Compression socks. His typical antics.

I really liked this house, now if I could just win the lottery...

Training since Galveston has gone pretty well. I'm a little disappointed at the number of my longer bike rides that have had to be inside. Last fall I was much more lucky with my long rides landing on days where I could get all or almost all my ride done outside. This spring seems opposite. Today is sunny and I have the day off...so I'm going to go outside, later!



Almost Race Time!!!

Less than 2 weeks until race time! Training has been going well. Iowa has had some AWESOME weather. The one downside to this incredibly summer-like weather- no time to acclimate. I had one long run that was just disastrous and I came home and just laid on my floor. In in the end I think it is a good thing, the conditions were most likely similar to what Galveston and the Woodlands will be like and I fought through it and didn't give up. One major bonus of this weather- I acquired a spring break-like tan just by riding around Ankeny, Slater, Elkhart, Cambridge, Altoona, and other small towns in Iowa.

Galveston 70.3 should be fun and I am soo excited to get out there and see where I am at. There are 35 pro gals on the start list-should be interesting to see how many show up. If there are 30ish girls racing I think it will make it that much more fun. It is a fast flat course, so times will be fast.

The DiscountTriSupply.com team received some AMAZING TYR gear. Galveston will likely be wetsuit look, if so, I'll be rocking the Freak of Nature wetsuit. I'm quite excited about that.

Happy Training!