Finished my 5th Ironman triathlon yesterday at Vineman Ironman in a time of 12.:42. I placed 14th out of 102 in my age group, 26th of them were not able to fininsh the race in the 17 hours alloted. However, the race didn't go as planned but I'm proud of myself for not quitting. I had a great swim, one big loop in the Russian River. The water was warm and it's really easy to sight since the river is narrow and for most of the swim it is shallow enough to stand up in. I felt great going through the first transition and on to the bike. The bike is two loops winding through beautiful rolling hills in wine country. I felt strong on the first loop but then started having stomach cramps and nausea and my legs felt shot. I eased up on the second lap hoping that I could salvage the run but I knew I was going to be in trouble. I started out slow on the run, my stomach was cramping badly and I felt exhausted. I managed to keep moving between some easy running and walking. I overheard another competitor who was walking on the run say "Isn't it interesting how quickly goals change?" I couldn't have agreed more. As I was feeling more and more weak, dizzy and probably dehydrated I just wanted to finish, overall time, age group place and anything else just went out the window. As I crossed the finish line I was so grateful to be done and so appreciative of everyone’s support. Shawn Hughes my wonderful husband who gave up his weekend to come to yet another crazy race, all my friends and family who were tracking me online and wishing me well before the race and my amazing friend Sue Kamrar who surprised me by showing to the race to cheer me on. Thank you everyone! Also so proud of my fellow Chico Tri Club friends who kicked butt at the race: Eric Ayars who caught me on the run and encouraged me to keep going, Maya Honeyman who finished the race with an amazingly strong run and Deborah Yoder who did this race as her first ever triathlon! Amazing.

Let me say, Santa Cruz was a beautiful location for my first 70.3. The ocean, forest, awesome volunteers & spectators.

That said, here goes.....It was a cold and foggy morning on the beach.....

Swim - Cold, dark water, big...it's the ocean!
Standing at the start, last minute decision was made to stay on the inside close to the buoys, with everyone else. Rough crowd, I caught on quick...throw elbows, kick, hold my position, be aggressive. Swallowed a few gallons of salt water, felt seasick. (Seasick? Swimming?...strange.). I did it...!! Didn't see one shark either, ðŸ¬

Bike - At the mount line I noticed my speedfil tank was loose. During its stay in transition something happened and the bracket was coming out of the frame. Rode with my fingers crossed that it wouldn't fall off! Nice ride, lots of hills. Not too hard for me, I'm from Chico...I trained on hills. The first 20 miles were amazing! Then...maybe all that salt water got to me. Stomach pain like I've never felt, this kept on till the end of the race. Goals for pace, time, all forgotten...just push through, focus on the positive, be thankful to be doing this! Had several nice comments on my bike handling and climbing skills. Thank You, Chico cycling community, for teaching me to be a cyclist...!!

Run - 13.1 miles to go! My stomach, ugh! By mile 5, I had to stop trying to pick up the pace and focus on finishing. One foot in front of the other....one mile at a time. Stepped in a hole on the trail during mile 6....now the pain in my foot could take my mind off of my stomach, lol. It was a really beautiful run, the ocean views were spectacular!

I finished, 8 hours, 37 minutes.... Things didn't go as planned, I knew they wouldn't and it was okay. I learned so much! Maybe next time......hahaha

I want to thank Everyone for the help, encouragement, support, advice....
My family, mom and dad, Breann, Brent, Cort and Marlina! My Chico Tri Club family, all of you!! Heather Martinez, best swim coach ever! My cousin Jason Hall & Brandon, for being with me and helping! Picking up the pieces after several meltdowns!!!! Aren't you all glad it's over and won't have to hear me talk about it? ðŸ˜

My first 70.3 was awesome....the experience of a lifetime! I did my best on September 11, 2016. Maybe next time I'll do even better....maybe!!!

Notes

1. Personal Best
2. Cruiser
3. Mountain Bike

Note that past TT results can be found on the Time Trial Page.