When my buddy Ryan called me in April saying that he would be racing Ironman Kansas 70.3 and “strongly encouraged me to join him” I was unsure if I would be able to go.  However, when the guy who convinced you to do your first triathlon, who you haven’t seen in over a year, calls you and tells you to race…you better go race.  So that is exactly what I did.  I was also looking forward to racing some of “the big boys” after a disappointing race at Ironman California 70.3 earlier in the year.

I got to Lawrence Kansas on Friday and was greeted by what seemed like an army of volunteers (really just a big family) to pick me up at the airport and take me to my home stay as well as registration.  They also took me out to dinner on Friday night with Jo Lawn, her husband Armando, Lindsey Corbin and Paul Ambrose.  They were certainly VERY hospitable, which really allowed me to focus on my race and I am very grateful to them all.
 

It was great to see my friend Ryan and my dad came out to watch the race as well, an unexpected surprise, but it was great to see him and (appropriately) spend father’s day with him.  At the pro meeting we found out the water temp was 75 degrees, so there would be no wetsuits, which mean that I would be at a disadvantage not being the strongest swimmer. I went through the usual pre-race routine and got ready the race.  Race morning nothing too exciting to report.  I got my stuff set up and jumped in the water for a warm up. 

The Swim: 33:30, 20^th place

What a horrific swim…not because of anyone’s fault but my own!  I missed the first, and second and third swim group.  Not to make excuses but I don’t have much experience with beach starts or with the frenzy and pace of the start of a pro race.  I began hard and thought I had found “the group” and began to settle into my rhythm, when I looked up and there was a 5M gap, I swam hard to try to close it but they were gone I was left to swim 1.1 miles on my own, which is exactly what I did.  I came out the water and there were not too many pro bikes left on the racks…the thought of droping out did cross my mind for a nanosecond.

The Bike: 2:16, 14^th place

Rolling out of T1 I knew I had work to do, so I put my head down and rode at my goal power.  Having a PowerTap is really critical to my race as it helps to push me when I am all alone and helps to hold me back when the competition gets the better of me.  The first 15 minutes of the bike my legs were screaming at me and I was afraid that racing Mooseman a week earlier had taken too much out of me, however, I was able to find my rhythm and ride.  As usual I was all alone for about 90% of the bike ride, the good part is that 10% of the time I was passing people.  The hilly and windy course made for some challenges, however, I was loving it and felt great all day and even better toward the end of the bike.  I had ridden myself into 14^th place.

The Run: 1:20, 10^th place

I wanted to run myself into the top 10 and thought it might be possible if I was smart.  I ticked off the first few miles at a great pace, then the heat and dirt roads began getting to me and my pace slowed a little, but I kept telling myself that anything can happened and push through.  At one of the short out and backs I saw Timex teammate Andrew Hodges and knew that he would catch me, but I kept my pace and was pleased to hold him off until about mile 6.  I thought that if someone was going to pass me “at least it is a great guy and teammate.”  I pushed through the second loop and saw a few other Timex athletes and by buddy Ryan.  As I approached the finish chute I heard the announcer say “rounding out the top 10…”  I wasn’t exactly sure what place I was in, but was very happy to hear that I met my goal!! J

All in all a great race and I got to see a bunch of Timex teammates, a friend from med school who first got me into this crazy sport and my dad!!  The post race festivities were cut a little short due to some thunder and lightning but it certainly worth the trip to Kansas.

http://www.ironmankansas.com/results/08PrelimOverall.html

For more info go to http://www.alexmmtri.com/