#67: IRONMAN 70.3 Texas - Galveston Race Report

Finish time 6:11:28

Back story:
Last year I completed 3 full Ironman’s in a 5-month time frame: 
IM AUSTRIA in June
IM MONT TREMBLANT in August
IM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP in October

 Afterwards, I was physically and mentally ready for a break; so, I took one! I told a friend of mine that if he did IM WISCONSIN in September, I would do it with him. He then registered and I followed. We also agreed to do IMTX 70.3 together. My goal in doing IMTX 70.3 was to get back in the game since I had not done any Ironman training since October. No open water swims and only one short ride one-week prior to IMTX 70.3. I was unsure what it would look or feel like, but I believed I could swim 1.2 miles, ride 56 miles and run 13.1 miles without much (or basically any) advanced preparation since I have developed a solid base from so many preps and races that preceded this one. 

Pre-Race:
The night prior to the event I could not sleep. While some of that was nerves since I did not train and was therefore uncertain of the day ahead. The morning of the event I got up at 3:45am to fuel my body with coffee and French toast for breakfast (French toast with peanut butter and banana is my new favorite pre-race meal). After breakfast, I went to meet my friends Stacy and Marty. We then headed to our bikes to get ready for the day. I arrived with a short sleeve and a long sleeve wetsuit and was unsure about which I wanted to use. The water temperature was 72 degrees so I could go either way. I like the short sleeve suit because it frees my shoulders/arms, but I like the long sleeve suit because it’s warmer and more buoyant. I took a poll of athletes on whether they were going to wear a long or short sleeve wetsuit. Most men said short sleeve, however most women said long sleeve. I chose long sleeve and was glad I did.

We then made our way to the swim start. It was warm and the mosquitoes were out. I put on the wet suit early to keep from getting bitten, but it was just too hot. So, I took the top portion off until we made our way closer to the start. As we got closer to the dock, we saw to the side of us that someone was being pulled out of the water. Then I watched as others jumped off the dock to begin their swim, something I know would give me a panic attack. When it was my turn to jump, I sat down and plopped myself into the water. I knew if I jumped, I would have had a panic attack before even beginning. 

Swim 1.2 miles: 
The plan was to take my time and go from one buoy to the next. I knew once I saw an orange buoy, I was halfway there and all I needed to do was repeat my small-step progress to completion. Once in the water, my goal was to go to the first buoy and keep my heart rate down, to prevent a panic attack. I avoided the dreaded panic attack but, before I knew it, I was way off the course and a kayak had to come guide me back. I cannot swim in a straight line! I was all over the place and was told by kayakers several times to get back on track. I was all over the place and my arms were sore, but I finished! Time 48:45

T1:
I walked to my bike to prepare for the ride and as I was taking my time to prepare, I heard Marty say, “Pollyann let’s go!”  So, I kicked it in gear and headed to the start line.  Time 5:53

Bike 56 miles: 
When I got on the bike, I was feeling good! At mile 5 my chain fell off, so I pulled over, put it back on and I was off again. My goal was to catch Marty. I had hydrated well, which is good, but the downside is that I had to stop 3 times to refuel and use the restroom. I had one close call around mile 45, where a car was in a hurry to get home and almost hit me. Thankfully I was looking up at the time and was able to see them. It was a close call and would not have ended well. The weather was overcast and windy but overall great for Galveston. I caught Marty around mile 50 and finished at mile 56. Time 3:09:51

T2: 
I walked my bike back to the rack, got my running gear on, and as I was walking out saw Carey and Emilia. We had a group hug and off we went. Time 5:48

Run 13.1 miles: 
As I started the run the clouds parted and the sun was shining. It was hot and humid. I stopped at each rest stop to put ice down my sports bra to keep my core temperature cool (since menopause my inner thermostat has increased greatly). I also kept my water bottle full. I saw Steve twice on the course and my favorite cheerleaders, Stacy and Allison, 3 times. These happy faces brought a smile to my face! After 3 loops I picked up the speed through the finish line! I was feeling great! I met Steve, who brought me a much-needed protein shake and hug! Time 2:01:13


Finish time 6:11:28. I was super happy! No aches or pains throughout race day or the days that followed, and all with next-to-no prep for the event. I felt very strong and grateful!

“Sometimes you must jump off the cliff without knowing where you will land.”  -Zainab Salbi
Thank you to my hubby for your love and support. Thank you, Marty, for pushing me and being there to cheer me on throughout the day. Thank you to Stacey and Allison for your never-ending support and encouragement. I didn't know what the day would look like, but I tried anyway. And from trying I learned that I could do it, while feeling great, AND with great times. I am so glad I took the leap.