Ironman 70.3 Steelhead - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

This was my first tri in 6 years and my first HIM. I completely freaked out in my first tri, so my main goal was to free style the entire time and not freak out and I did it!! I actually felt really comfortable in the water and enjoyed it. I'm obviously not the fastest, but it was good. The only thing is, this was the first time I had a hard time keeping a straight line. After talking to others, they had the same issue, so that made me feel better!!!

Probably swim more, but I felt pretty darn good.

Thought it was faster than this, but that's ok, I wasn't in too big of a hurry. We did have some thick sand to run up on.

My main goal on the bike was not to get a flat tire and I managed to accomplish this goal as well!!! The roads were mostly smooth with a few miles of rough country roads. Yes, the roads are open to cars, but I never felt unsafe (I'm use to biking in Chicago with a lot more cars). I know I am not a strong biker and I've read too many stories about people who bike too hard and can't run. So my goal was to take it easy and go by feel on the bike instead of keeping a certain pace. Kind of seemed to work, but would like to push myself a little harder next time to see what happens on the run.
My neck and back were hurting on the bike and my lower back was killing me the last 10 miles, but I obviously just had to push through.


Do more hills (find all the hills I can in Chicago) and become a stronger biker or just hit the lotto so I can afford something more than an entry level bike :-)

Had to use the restroom really bad, so that was part of it.

Nothing really...maybe no tie shoe laces?!?!

I've done a hand full of marathons (4:16 PB) and a number of half marathons (1:57 PB), so my main goal here was to run the entire thing, not so much. It got hot (the sun just takes my energy away!) and there were a couple hills that I power walked up and I did walk through all of the water stops (there were a lot, but much needed). My first 2 miles were under 10 minutes pace, was feeling decent, but then just feel apart and did a couple miles close to 11 minute pace. But then I had a combo of something (gel, grapes, gatorades; the 3 G's I guess, hehe). Got a 2nd wind and was able to finish strong. Over all a good run and I will be happy with my 2:15!

Maybe more longer brick workouts.

Not enough...walked around, waited for my friend to finish, tried to stretch, but was just taking in the idea that I just finished my first HIM!!


Very good race, I can't compare it to many tri's or HIM's since I haven't participated in many. But I was really surprised of the lack of food and goodies at the end of the race; maybe I missed it all?!?! Did we have to pay for the Pizza Hut or was that free to participants? I guess I should have walked that area more to find out. But overall, I enjoyed every moment from start to finish and I think I have enjoyed this more than any of my marathons and that is saying a lot considering I've done NYC, Chicago, St. George, etc....but I think I have fallen in love with HIM's!!