The government opened up the national parks just in time for the 10th annual Pumpkinman Triathlon. I did the Half Ironman. It was my first half IM so I didn't know what to expect. Here's how it went.
1.2 mile swim - 38:55 - this was my favorite part of the race. I should have just taken another lap and called it a day.
Transition 1- 6:00 - I couldn't get my wetsuite off and I took time to eat and drink. This was way too slow compared to others.
56 mile bike- 3:28:00 - I know that sounds slow, but the bike course at this tri is BRUTAL. I was done by 49 miles but I still had a long steep 7 mile climb to go. I think I stayed in my lowest gear most of the last 7 miles and was wishing I had a lower gear.
Tansition 2 - 2:43 - I was so glad to be off my bike but was not sure if I wanted to head out on the run. I went anyways.
13.1 mile run - 2:02:48 As I started to run I knew I was not going to be able to actually run, so I decided to try and keep everything right below 9 minute miles. It was a 2 loope course and I stayed pretty steady on the first lap. I stopped and got a drink before heading back out for the second lap. I stood there for a couple minutes trying to decide if I wanted to head back out but eventually took off. I did fade at the end but mercifully finished the race.
Total time- 6:18:31, 2nd in my AG
This was way tougher than I thought it would be. For me, it was harder than a marathon, because the bike course was so tough that by the time I got off the bike I felt worse than I usually do by mile 20 of the marathon and I still had to run 13.1 miles. That being said, I am always sore the day after a marathon, and I did not have even a hint of pain in my legs the day after this race.
Back to marathon training I go until maybe next summer.
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