Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas - TriathlonFull Ironman

I followed a tip from Badig's course preview and headed to the west shore to stand while waiting for the start. A few minutes before the start, I swam my way more to the middle to wait. This set me up for a perfect starting position. Initially it was a little rough but didn't take too long to spread out. I took the swim nice and easy and really enjoyed it. I spotted my family when we got to the canal and gave a little wave. They were able to follow me the rest of the way cheering with their cowbells! It was awesome!

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Volunteers were a great help getting me ready. One put my shoes on while the other did sunscreen and another gave me my helmet.

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I did exactly what I planned to do on the bike. Paced myself perfectly; ate and drank perfectly. The bike is always my least favorite and I can't wait to get off, but I did a good job keeping in check mentally. I don't think I've ever ranked higher in the bike than swimming or running before!

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T1... the demise of my race. I hand off my bike and shoes no problem and start running down the grass. I round the turn and hit the concrete and burned my feet so bad!!! I make it into the transition tent where I'm told I'm in 8th place overall female (not sure if this is accurate or not) so I get very excited, the volunteers get me dressed, and I'm ready to run... except my poor burned feet weren't.

KEEP MY BIKE SHOES ON!!!! (or wear socks while biking)

Well I had planned for a 9-9:30 min/mile average but was very far from that. My feet hurt so bad. Every step was excruciatingly painful. My plan was to run the 1st and 3rd loops and run/walk the 2nd loop if needed. I ended up walking way more than planned but ran more in loop 3 than the other loops. I tried to make the most of it and had a good time on the run. The course had great spectator support!

KEEP MY BIKE SHOES ON IN T2!!!!

I drank too much water too quickly after finishing and threw it all up. Once I got some calories in I felt better. I did a little stretching and went to watch others finish.


Burning my feet in T2. I wanted to go closer to 11 hours and burning my feet was really the only reason I was unable to do that. I had a fantastic swim and bike and set myself up for a decent run, so it is disappointing to be limited by that. The next day I wasn't even sore, except for my feet. 4 days later and I still can't put full weight on the balls of my feet. I know lots of others experienced this same thing. I am curious how/if it limited them as well.


My family came to this race thinking it was just another boring triathlon, but they had a blast!!! WTC does a good job of making this race fun for the athletes and spectators a like. I had a great time and look forward to doing another. I AM AN IRONMAN!!!