Wind, wind, and more wind, appears to be the reality of training and racing in the south, although, the overall mild weather conditions have been conducive to commencing an early racing season this year. I have always though and felt that wind must be one of the most demoralizing elements of racing for triathletes, though, I no longer think so. The past few months of working and training in Mississippi exposed me to the relentless winds and well-prepared me for the mental and physical realities of racing in the South.
That preparedness came right in time for Ironman Texas 70.3 in Galveston at the beginning of April. I was not sure how to feel about the long drive to Galveston, but in the end, the 400+ mile "course" across Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas could not have been more enjoyable. After arriving, I stayed about 30 miles away from the race venue. This time, half way between Galveston and Houston, and next door to the NASA Space Center with an easy 20-minute drive to the transition area.
From start to finish. A very good day in Galveston
This race had well over 2,000 registered athletes and the swim was divided into nineteen waves with the Professional Athletes jumping in the water at 7:00 AM. My group started the race at 8:20 AM in the protected waters of the beech resort. This was a deep-water swim start and wetsuits were allowed due to the water temperature hovering about 62F. I had a good swim, athough, I was not quite sure how well will my left shoulder hold up following the surgery and rehab. In the end, I exited the water in 36 minutes.
After a rather long run into T1 I was soon on the bike and heading out for the 56-mile ride along the coast. The wind was noticeably strong and required focused attention from the riders, especially those who chose to ride on the deep rims. The course was safe (out-and-back) and for the most part sheltered from the vehicular traffic. Despite the windy conditions I averaged almost 22 mph to arrive at T2 in 2 hours and 34 minutes.
Bicycles for as far as an eye can see
After a solid transition I got out onto a three-loop run course. The course was nicely designed with many twists and turns, making it an interesting and eye-pleasing venue. The strong head-wind in the open areas was again a factor, but more importantly, the multiple short loops were ill-suited for accommodating that many athletes. Nevertheless, I was quite happy with my run time of 1 hour 45 minutes placing me 16/122 in the M50-54 Age Group, just 5 minutes from braking the 5-hour mark (5:05).
With my Mississippi Tri Friends after the race
So, with the first race behind me, I am packing up and heading up to Knoxville, Tennessee for an Age Group Grand Prix Rev3 70.3 race this weekend. The drive will be longer but I am looking forward to exploring a few new states on my way north. And, should the wind kick up on Sunday, I know, I will be ready.
That preparedness came right in time for Ironman Texas 70.3 in Galveston at the beginning of April. I was not sure how to feel about the long drive to Galveston, but in the end, the 400+ mile "course" across Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas could not have been more enjoyable. After arriving, I stayed about 30 miles away from the race venue. This time, half way between Galveston and Houston, and next door to the NASA Space Center with an easy 20-minute drive to the transition area.
This race had well over 2,000 registered athletes and the swim was divided into nineteen waves with the Professional Athletes jumping in the water at 7:00 AM. My group started the race at 8:20 AM in the protected waters of the beech resort. This was a deep-water swim start and wetsuits were allowed due to the water temperature hovering about 62F. I had a good swim, athough, I was not quite sure how well will my left shoulder hold up following the surgery and rehab. In the end, I exited the water in 36 minutes.
After a rather long run into T1 I was soon on the bike and heading out for the 56-mile ride along the coast. The wind was noticeably strong and required focused attention from the riders, especially those who chose to ride on the deep rims. The course was safe (out-and-back) and for the most part sheltered from the vehicular traffic. Despite the windy conditions I averaged almost 22 mph to arrive at T2 in 2 hours and 34 minutes.
After a solid transition I got out onto a three-loop run course. The course was nicely designed with many twists and turns, making it an interesting and eye-pleasing venue. The strong head-wind in the open areas was again a factor, but more importantly, the multiple short loops were ill-suited for accommodating that many athletes. Nevertheless, I was quite happy with my run time of 1 hour 45 minutes placing me 16/122 in the M50-54 Age Group, just 5 minutes from braking the 5-hour mark (5:05).
So, with the first race behind me, I am packing up and heading up to Knoxville, Tennessee for an Age Group Grand Prix Rev3 70.3 race this weekend. The drive will be longer but I am looking forward to exploring a few new states on my way north. And, should the wind kick up on Sunday, I know, I will be ready.
