(
tnm girls-Connie, Teresa, Lisa-MIA Rebecca)
Oh, how I continue to disappear and reappear. Boise 70.3 was this last weekend and there were 13 TN multisport athletes racing. We arrived late Thursday night (as we had car fulls of people following each other).
The weather seemed fantastic and we kept hearing of thundershowers. The athlete guide says that there is an average of 1 inc he of rain in the month of June. Well, we had a record breaking June all in one day for sure!
I debated weather to race, as I was still trying to get my run times down from St Croix. But I knew this course was a fast one and I love racing! So on the week leading up I figured I would give it a shot. I figured if I continued resting my legs I could possibly surprise myself.
The race started at 2pm. Cycling through dinner time was going to be a challenge! Logistically this race was a challenge, but the race directors did a fantastic job of keeping everything VERY organized.
Race morning we woke up at 8am (Yep, 8am!). Had a pancake breakfast, dropped our stuff off at t2 and then shuttle bussed it up to the start and T1. This is where there was a ton of time to kill. The sun was out, sunscreen was on, I went to the bathroom more like 20 times instead of the usual 10. Tons of photo opportunities and I lied out a towel in transition and waited.
(tnm boys- Darin, Mark, Jeff, Thomas, Kevin- MIA-Brent and Jason)
My wave went of 40 minutes after the pros, the largest wave of women, ages 18-34. The weather gradually began to change. Cloudier, then windier, then rain. The buoys were moving, the buoys were being taken out because of the extreme drift. We had to round the three red buoys, I heard some were told, while in the water, they could bypass the second red...it was moving further and further away. The waves left me to only be able to breathe to the left, breathing to the right was asking for a huge gulp of water.
Altitude, cold and conditions led for some slower swim times. I was SO thankful this race had wetsuit strippers. I came out of the water in 29+ and as I was taking off my wetsuit the zipper got caught in my watch, I was struggling to get it off. Thank you volunteers for helping me get it off.
(random photo of wetsuit strippers)
The ride was FAST, fairly flat, a few climbs, etc....it was the weather that made this ride challenging. It was an honest downpour the entire ride, puddles everywhere, thunder, lightning, and hail. Man, that hail hurts! I thought someone was throwing pebbles at me! I could hear my breaks rubbing, I think due to the wetness, so I had to stop and open my brakes in the back. I know, I would not recommend this, but I was extremely cautious in slowing and cornering.
(
entering t2-nothing dry here)
The run was a two looper, FLAT! The puddles were not there to dodge, they were there to run right through. The zoot carbon shoe was fantastic, as I saw some shoes so saturated I don't know if they could ever be worn again. The wetness did cause my feet to score a few blisters, manageable to run on, but not fun when I hopped in the shower post-race. I think everyone in the hotel could hear my screams.
(finish line in sight)
I loved seeing so many TNM athletes on the course. So much cheering mid race, and the finish line shoot is filled with spectators (even in the crappy weather), you would have thought it was a true full ironman.
I got to see Mark three times on the course (1 time on bike, 2 on run). He had a fantastic race and a half ironman PR. He has been training very well this year and earned every second of his speedy time :)
(Mark running to 15th in his division)
Besides the weather and the 2pm start (would prefer 10am or noon), this race was fantastic. Very well organized, fast course and really a FUN event.
I am very pleased that I decided to race, my result placed me as the first amateur female. First half ironman win.
Thanks to Blue Seventy, Road Runner Sports, Inewmed, Kainoa, Base Performance, Splish, Richard Dizon, Zoot, Rudy Proeject and the TNM family for your amazing support and products. Because of you guys I am able to perform to my potential. I appreciate you!
