Race Report: Newburgh, IN - 70.3 - August 1

It's official I am half crazy or half an ironman. Finished my first long course triathlon. I participated in the club race hosted by Southern Indiana Triathlon Team. It was a great race - truly impressed. Just open to club members, it was a small, friendly race and well supported. Just what I needed going into the final stretch of training for the Ironman.

This race was a dress rehearsal for me to practice what I think I want to do for the Ironman. I got to practice pre-race nutrition, race clothes, race nutrition/hydration, transitions, and race pacing.
The week leading up to the race, I did most of my training even though I had this race. I did take my rest day on Friday like I typically do and opted out of a bike ride on Thursday in exchange for running with my oldest at his cross country practice.

I found two helpful articles this week:
One for packing: http://triathlon.racechecklist.com/ - I was able to bring this up on my phone and just check things off as I packed it. Quick and an easy check that I had everything.

One for pacing: http://www.endurancecorner.com/library/triathlon/strategy/half_ironman_pacing -
This was right up my alley in that it had you start each of the disciplines slow. Everything was setting you up to have a good run.

We drove over to Evansville area after dinner on Friday evening. On the drive over I realized I forgot the sticky rice balls (part of my nutrition), Ryan had made for me to try in the race. Fortunately I had plenty of other nutrition, but it was one thing I was looking forward to trying.

We got to the race at 6am for a 7am start. It was plenty of time to get everything situated, body marked, and checked-in. I knew 2 others participating so chatted a little bit before the swim. One of those friends - this was her FIRST triathlon! It was great catching up with her and cheering her on during the race. She was a beast and super proud of her! Her sister-in-law also completed the race with an injury she suffered a few weeks ago which was so inspirational.

So here's the rundown of the race:

Swim: 46:40 - 1.2 miles
We treaded water for a very short time before started the out and back in a narrow lake. This was good practice with getting swam over and bumping into people. The sighting was pretty easy since the lake was so narrow. I swam a comfortable pace and when I got done I felt like I could still swim some more. Ryan volunteered helping people out of the water so it was fun to see him there. Also my parents surprised me by driving down to see me race. I saw them and gave them a hug after the swim so got them all wet.


T1 (Transition 1) 3:26
Since they had a changing tent, I tried my hand at changing during a race which I hadn't ever done. I just put on some cycling shorts and was back out.

Biking: 3:20 (16.8mph) - 56 miles

Halfway on the bike with my parents and Ryan

The first 12 miles or so had rolling hills which meant the last 12 miles also had rolling the hills. The hills did not compare to the hills near where I live or nearly as many, so I ended up going faster on the bike than I had imagined and was able to stay in my aero position for most of the ride. I saw Ryan, my parents, and my friend Jen at the halfway point. I got some more water and was on my way. There was some headwind heading back, so I just tried to stay relaxed while pedaling. I feel like a did a good job staying hydrated and fueled (Tailwind, SWORD, honey stinger chews, and water). I did drop one of my water bottles with 10 miles left, but still  had plenty of fluids in the other two bottles.


T2 5:20
I was able to get off my bike without falling which is always a good thing with my track record lately. I changed into some comfy running attire, made a pit stop, grabbed my fuel belt and off running I went.

Running: 2:20 (10:46/mile)- 13.1 miles

2 thumbs up for the run

My plan for running was to run 4 min and walk 1 min. Also to walk through the aid stations
which were about every mile. The course was an out and back just like the bike. My legs felt great starting the run even with the heat of the day. I continued to drink and eat a little during my walk breaks. Once I hit the halfway point, I picked up some sponges that cooled me down and then I slowed down a little and ended up walking up a few hills. Legs were starting to feel a little heavy, but I kept counting down the miles left and thinking to myself that I am really doing this! I still had plenty of Tailwind left on my fuel belt along with some chews, so I will need to do a little better job fueling for the ironman marathon.

I finished in 6 hours 36min which was much faster than I had predicted. The swim was right on target, but the bike and run was much faster than I expected. I felt relaxed throughout the race - just trying to enjoy it and know I still have lots of intense training ahead. I still need to get stronger on my bike for the hills and work on endurance for the swim, but I feel like I am on target to be able to finish an ironman. Racing makes all the hard work in training worth it.



Finishing and surprised with the time

This race was a great experience. All the volunteers and racers were super friendly and supportive. Southern Indiana Triathlon Team has a great club.

I couldn't have done it without great support from a friend who lets me asks all kinds of questions and gives great tips and advice.  And family and friends who have trained with me and watched kids. But most importantly, my husband has been a rockstar. All his support from bike maintenance to helping make some nutrition makes it just a little bit easier. He was an amazing SHERPA at the race.

Week 14 in the books! Only 10 more weeks!!