Ironstar Triathlon

I participated in a few triathlons when I was in high school, but I hadn't done one in many years when I signed up for the Ironstar Half Ironman in 2004... four years ago!! The memories of my "re-entry" into the sport in 2004 were with me the morning of this year's Ironstar. I remembered the swim being exhausting, the bike course being very very hilly, and the run course being a nightmare that just wouldn't end. I also remember being very hot in that race. Well, what a difference four years makes! I was very comfortable this year in the swim, and the bike course didn't feel nearly as hilly as I remember. Although, my memory is a little foggy because I was literally a popsicle on the bike this year. The shaded downhills on 149 were brutally cold!!! Steve Breeding came a long to wish me a "warm" hello and yelled out that it was 45 degrees. Yikes! I swore I heard him laughing at me several times.

Four years ago, my goal was to just finish the event. This year, my goal was to do race better than I had at either Florida or Buffalo Springs this summer. In both of those races, I (partly due to a too agressive bike fit) fell apart on the bike and/or the run. I have only raced 4 half-ironmans, with three of them being this year as a professional. I was looking forward to a low-stress race where I could concentrate on racing comfortably the entire time. Other than freezing on the bike, I raced comfortably in my high zone 2 (top of the aerobic zone) for the entire race. I finished the race without hitting the wall, falling apart, or injuring anything. In four years, I improved 37 minutes (same distances, different course). So... goal accomplished, lots of fun, and a happy finish to a hit-or-miss season.

Ironstar is such a fun and well put on event, and I really hopes it continues to be held in the future. The bike course is beautiful and it's fun to see all of the familiar faces both racing and volunteering. Thanks to Lonestar Multisport Club members for helping out on the run course.

Next up is some rest time, then some running races. I plan on focusing on swimming and running in late November and December. Next year I plan on racing New Orleans 70.3 and maybe Kansas 70.3. I am also going to be coaching for Finish Strong Coaching. Yeah!