Ironman 70.3 Kansas - Midwest Triumph & Challenge

#788 Reporting!

Let me preface this by noting that I registered for this race late last year, before I even completed my first 70.3 in Oceanside.  The assumption was that I was going to "like" the first one so much that I would be excited to head to Kansas a few months after.  I am sure glad it worked out that way!  LOL...

The site for IM 70.3 Kansas was definitely not like Oceanside.  I knew going into it that there could be heat, humidity, and wind.  I just didn't know what to expect at the actual site - Clinton Lake - on the outskirts of Lawrence.  Growing up a city girl, I didn't camp, do the "lake" thing, bugs, etc.  So ya.  There's that.  We arrived just as athlete check-in was opening on Friday.  We pulled into Clinton Park and headed to Ironman Village.  All of the tents were in a high grassy area, with areas of mud since weather had come through.  I said to Jon, "This is definitely not as 'glamorous' as Oceanside."  We both laughed.  There was a group of local women volunteering in the check-in tent, sweet as can be from bib pickup to getting my backpack and tech tee.  After a little shopping and some photos, it was time to get to work getting the layout of the land since it was a two-transition set up.  We checked out the lake as well, then took off to relax the rest of the day in Lawrence.  On Saturday, we came back for the early athlete briefing, where I also had the chance to meet pro TJ Tollakson, someone I have respected in the sport for quite some time.  He had previous experience on the course, so he was very helpful! 

RACE MORNING

As usual, I didn't sleep well the night before the race.  I woke up at 3:45, got ready, ate my breakfast of whole-wheat bagel (I didn't have my Van's gluten-free waffles due to the road trip) with peanut butter, bit of honey, and almonds, then we loaded up the car and drove to the lake.  Our hotel was only about 15-minute drive to the site, which was perfect!  We had a great parking spot, too (always a plus when some walking is involved).  I set up my shoes and other run gear in T2, then walked down with other athletes to T1.  It was a beautiful morning!  Aside from the humidity, the temperature was perfect, and the water was 75.9 degrees - WETSUIT LEGAL!!  Happy dance, I say.  The race director announced it that morning.  Prior to Sunday morning, we had no idea IF it was even going to be wetsuit legal.  The lake had been at 78 before two inches of rain came in early Saturday and cooled it down some.  THANK YOU wetsuit gods!  HA.  I made pals in T1 with an athlete named Tiffany from Nebraska who was doing her first 70.3...we ended up hanging together through the swim corral until we entered the lake.  I also had the chance to meet one of my Betty teammates and wish her luck!  Just about 30 minutes before my wave start, I had my Honey Stinger vanilla waffle, and I was ready!

THE SWIM

Upon entering the water, it felt amazing.  It was relatively calm and warm.  The horn sounded and off we went.  No nerves, just spent a few minutes getting into a good, solid pace.  I felt great since I had warmed up my shoulders, arms, and worked on my stroke out of the water as we got closer to the lake while in my wave corral.  I would say the first half of the 1.2 miles was smoother than heading back in after the turnaround.  Suddenly there were drunk swimmers.  Everywhere.  I was in my happy straight swimming mode surrounded by them.  A few of them were in white caps - my swim wave.  They would run into me, then stop, which then stopped me; they would realize they slowed down, then start sprinting diagonally and repeat the running into people process.  I remember saying something like, "Is this for real?" after a few incidents.  I wanted to PR the swim so badly!  Finally, I was passing the last buoy.  I headed up the ramp, looked at my watch, and smiled.  I had a PR from Oceanside, even with the drunk folks on the course.  PHEW!!

THE BIKE

T1 was amazingly smooth.  I cut my time dramatically!  We had a small roller to climb out of transition to get started.  My front brake was rubbing and slowing me down, so I pulled over for a minute to straighten that out!  We exited the park and out onto the country roads around Lawrence.  The weather was unbelievable for Kansas in early summer.  It was overcast with temperatures in the 70s.  Thank goodness!  The course was hilly, common geography of eastern Kansas.  It was green and gorgeous.  There were portions that were out and back, so athletes would cheer each other on in typical Midwest fashion.  I had a few athletes roll up from behind, telling me they liked my Betty kit and pink helmet!  On my way back in, probably around mile 45, a cardinal was on my side and flew in front of me (yes, Illinois State nostalgia - Go Redbirds!) and it kinda made my ride that much better.  I saw Jon as I came into T2 - smiling and waving as I stopped!  PR on the bike!  WOOT!!  My nutrition and hydration had been dialed in yet again - three Bonk Breaker bites - peanut butter and jelly, four Salt Stick tablets, and plenty of water!

Such happy moments on the bike!

THE RUN

T2 was yet again remarkably smooth, with a huge time drop from my previous 70.3.  I headed out on the two-loop course.  For the first couple of miles, I settled in and checked my Timex GPS to get a good pace.  Oh boy, was I feeling that humidity!  I could see it on the faces of runners when I was coming into T2, but I had no idea why until it was my turn to run.  I wasn't tired or hungry, just having some struggles with the feeling of heavy air.  The clouds were still out for the most part, but there wasn't any wind, so the density of trees and wet grass around Clinton Lake really kept that humidity going.  I took one Salt Stick a couple of miles in, water, then started the routine of pouring water on my head at every aid station to cool down.  I was also grabbing cups of ice and pouring them into my kit.  That REALLY helped.  I also had some Honey Stinger Chews; overall, I stayed pretty conservative on my nutrition.  The course was VERY spectator friendly, so I saw Jon everywhere it seemed.  He was doing his best to keep me motivated, even when he saw me walking a few times in between running.  There were a few rollers on the course, and at one point, I saw pro/coach Lisa Bentley (who was there coaching a few of her own athletes) giving me some pointers to stay strong and maintain a nice jog despite how tough it was getting - all smiles of course and clapping for me.  It was great!  I ran into Betty teammate Sarah who was volunteering at a run aid station, and also saw Erin running out on the course as well.  Good stuff!  Finally, around mile 11, I had pal who I ran-walked with the rest of the way.  His name was Richard, he was from Arkansas, and was completing his first 70.3.  He put his hand out and shook mine as we introduced one another mid-run.  LOL.  Again, great to motivate each other to the end.  I made the last turn into the finishing chute and I was stoked!  I heard my name, the announcer pointed out that I was a teacher and how there were quite a few teachers racing on Sunday!  Awesome!  Educators in action!!  I was given my medal, and at that time, I turned around and high-fived Richard, who had also just finished.  Such great support between athletes and from the fantastic volunteers out on that run course!!  I didn't PR the run, but to be honest, it really wasn't too much off from Oceanside.  It was tough so I am proud of my results!!

Getting hydration and cheers from a Betty teammate!

IN THE END

So, for the results as follows:

1.2-mile swim - 44:30

56-mile bike -  3:30.31

13.1-mile run - 2:24

TOTAL - 6:45, a 70.3 PR of 18 minutes!  YAY!!!

 I have many to thank for the success of this race.  First, my Lord and Savior, whom without none of this would be possible.  Second, my husband Jon, the MOST fabulous Sherpa ever!  Next, Coach Frank for helping me get to the point where I could finish a 70.3, while dealing with whining and/or challenging him on a consistent basis.  LOL.  I also have some wonderful peeps who have kept me healthy on this journey for the last year - Brooke Schohl from Fuel to the Finish/Destination Kona for her nutrition expertise, ART from Dr. Sherman at IronCare, sports/deep tissue massage from Tonya Bratcher at Center for Athletic Performance and Don Wong at Total Lifestyle Chiropractic, and dry needling from Paul Gagliano at Spooner Physical Therapy.  My glutes thank you!  HA.  To my sponsors - Betty Designs/Kristin Mayer and Honey Stinger #HSHive, thank you.  Next, I would like to thank my Betty teammates Andree and Kristina (seasoned Ironman and 70.3 veterans) for checking up on me all weekend in Kansas and keeping me encouraged!  It is a real blessing to be part of the triathlon community, to have these amazing experiences, and to be looking forward to the next 70.3!!