ANOTHER IRONMAN 70.3 ADDED TO THE PORTFOLIO

Yesterday, turned out to be a great day for racing. Low humidity and a beautifully sunny day made the racing conditions near perfect. There have been a few changes this year as compared to the past years. In fact, all racing venues have been altered. The swim has been moved from the ocean swim to a state park lake which, according to Ironman regulations, disallowed wearing a wetsuit as the water temperature exceeded 76F. The bike course took athletes from a previously flat course to negotiating challenging rolling hills and longer climbs. And finally, the run course was altered by adding more uphill running.

I personally liked the new bike and run courses (the degree of difficulty). The only demoralizing aspect of the bike course was the last 11 miles on an approach to Providence which provided for a very poor-quality surface conditions, boarding upon dangerous. I am sure Ironman (WTC) is going to hear about that one from many athletes, yours truly, included.

In any event, I posted the seventh fastest bike-split, a fifth fastest run split in my age group, and a 55th fastest/slowest swim splits. This combination placed me in 11th position in M50-54.

And here is how it all looked in pictures.

Body-marking at 4:45AM

Getting ready for a warm-up swim

With MajorTOM shortly before the race start

Not a happy face exiting the water

This is where the race always begins for me

Transition into the run

6.5 miles left to go

There is a true joy in racing

MajorTOM finishing strong

And it's my turn to finish, now

Final celebration with Aaron

Photos by Rebekah Tolley