Ironman 70.3 Austin. End of season.

Where do I begin this time around?  Usually, I would just get right into the race.  However, I would like to open by stating that I was fortunate to have been able to race in Austin.  After our Hawaii trip, it was a rather tumultuous two weeks, as my dad has not been well.  Without getting into details, he is as stable as can be expected and is getting the best care possible in his new senior living community.  Just today, I saw this quote on Christian artist TobyMac's Facebook page:  "Circumstances don't make you who you are, but reveal who you are."  That pretty much sums it up!

Friday/Saturday - Athlete check-in and course study

I've never been a fan of being late to anything or not being prepared for a situation.  On Friday, before running through the WTC check-in gamut, Jon and I drove the bike course.  I had heard stories about road conditions and viewed a current video before we arrived in Austin, but I needed to see it myself, to make mental notes of where I would have to be more careful, conservative on speed, etc.  Let me tell ya, some of those country roads are no joke!  While they did a great job of patching and sweeping all 56 miles, there was no question that certain parts would best be ridden on a mountain bike or tractor.  Worrying wasn't going to make anything change, so I just took it with a grain of salt and moved right along.  We wrapped up by spending time at Ironman Village, then dropping off Chanel at T1, scoping out the lake, and a quick look at T2.  All was good and ready!

Sunday - RACE DAY!

3:45 a.m.  The alarm went off.  Parking at Travis County Expo Center was set to open at 5 a.m. to begin shuttling athletes and spectators to T1.  Only made sense to arrive early.  My bike and run bags were prepped on Friday, so it made for an easy start - wake up, eat breakfast, head out from the hotel. We had a great location, just off the 35 and not far from downtown Austin.  The drive to the race was only about 15 minutes.  Of course, why not have a little entertainment on the way out with drunk guests on the elevator?  FUN!

It was dark at T1 when the shuttled dropped us off.  Chanel made it through the night, and nobody had stolen the morning clothes bag I had wrapped around the front wheel to protect it from thorns overnight.  In addition to the Austin course having a reputation for rough roads, T1 is known for goat heads and athletes getting flats not too far after they mount and start their 56-mile ride.  I wasn't going to take any chances!!  Volunteers were suggesting to athletes during mandatory bike check-in AND on race morning to carry bikes in and out.  But does everyone listen?  Nope!  Then flats!!

After I was settled in, I had over two hours until my swim wave at 8:15 a.m.  We stayed off our feet and just sat around until the first wave started; then we headed over to the swim start to watch.  I was just SO happy to be at the race.  Smiles putting on my wetsuit, smiles in my AG corral, smiles coming out of the swim.  The water was perfect at 74.5, actually feeling warm since it was only low 60s outside.  I had a smooth, consistent swim, so no complaints there!  Sighting was great and I kept checking in with my breathing and form.

When I got into T1, I had every intention of putting on my new pink Zoot sleeves to stay cool.  So much for that!  I was losing time, so I tossed them into the bag with my wetsuit and towel.  As I put on my helmet and shoes, another athlete just a few bikes down was asking if we had seen her bag; it turns out, someone had taken it!  Seriously, people??  I picked up Chanel and headed out.  No thorns...no problem!!

Since we had driven the course, I already knew where I could push a little more and then sit back a bit and be more conservative to avoid tire issues and/or crashing.  It was a gorgeous, sunny morning.  For the first 35-40 miles, the temperature mixed with breeze was perfect.  It was a hilly course, but nothing I couldn't handle.  In the rough areas, I saw people losing water/nutrition bottles left and right, and a few flats on the side of the road, after they had tried to blow through.  At mile 35, I made a pit stop and filled up on water.  Nutrition and salt sticks were on schedule, so I felt great even as it began to heat up until I reached T2.

T2 was craziness.  Bikes anywhere they wanted to put them, meaning any run bags that were there (mine included) were shoved down the rack and had to be located.  Shoes, visor, race belt on, nutrition in back pocket and I was off on the first of three loops between the expo center and Decker Lake!!

The most fun about the run was the supportive spectators, well-stocked aid stations, and we athletes cheered each other on as we traversed the hills and heat.  I also had the support of Team Betty sister Jennifer Rulon, which was awesome.  Each time I returned to the expo center at the end of a loop, it was a spectator party and Jon was there for extra encouragement - and photos - DUH!!  Coach had me keep my heart rate in Zone 3, so I would walk for a few seconds here and there where necessary to maintain it.  I also walked through pretty much every aid station like it was an assembly line.  Ice in the tri top to stay cool, water on my head, grab cola, grab pretzels, and get going!  I had a little quad cramping early on, but it subsided.  Again, I felt great just like on the bike - no stomach issues or anything!  THE BEST feeling in the world was knowing that final loop was over.  I dumped out extra ice I had in my top to stay cool and started pumping my arms as I neared the entrance to the rodeo arena.  SUPER COOL FINISH LINE!!

I have SO many to thank for this accomplishment.  Always first is my Lord and Savior, for making all things possible.  My hubby Sherpa is amazing and has a lot to deal with being married to this athlete!!  Coach Frank, where do I begin??  The man deals with more than Jon, including my whining text messages.  BUT he is a master in his craft and is why I was prepared for all three 70.3s this year. I also need to thank my PT Paul Gagliano at Spooner Physical Therapy for keeping me as pain-free as possible, Kristin Mayer and Team Betty for the support and fun times this year, and Brooke Schohl of Fuel to the Finish/Destination Kona for getting me on track for long-distance nutrition.  Lastly is my principal Ken James; he has been very flexible and understanding with all I have had going on (which led to some missed days at school), but has also kept his faith in me as a great educator.  This balance of support has been phenomenal.

The season is now over.  It was truly epic.  Three 70.3s and PRs across the board in all races.  I'm ready for a great off season, focused on some swim changes, increased running volume, and more gains with strength training.  Come January, the hunt for the Ironman Coeur d'Alene finish line begins!!