IM Lubbock 70.3 race recap

I was looking forward to my 1st 70.3 in Lubbock, TX, aka Hades annex - but a storm came through the night before and gave us more mild temperatures.

Of course, I had my race all planned out 📝. I knew that I could finish the swim in about 35min and be off to a great start. Then I attempted to execute and the universe laughed heartily 😂. Immediately upon entering the water a progressive feeling of claustrophobia came over me. I began hyperventilating and was unable to relax. 500 yds later I grabbed a safety boat to regroup. No relief, Nothing. I’m embarrassed to admit that in that moment I considered quitting. But as @coachjotridot says, fight.man.fight! I decided today is not that day. So, I opted to pull my wetsuit down and let it hang by my waist. Swimming with a water scoop is better than quitting👊🏾. Just make it out of the water and regroup.

Once on the bike, I was relieved. I didn’t feel mentally settled into the race for another 30 minutes, the swim really got in my head. The course was flat with some expected wind gusts. Overall, I felt amazingly powerful the entire 56 miles. I was back in the game 🤘🏽. I didn’t hit my time goal primarily because I had to stop and pee 7 times 🤪. With each stop I was reminded that my body has recovered remarkably well, but the recovery from surgery is far from over -today it was incontinence.

I hit the run course with two objectives. Run the entire course (walk at aid stations only) and sustain a 10min/ mile pace. I almost did both but fell apart around mile 11 and ended up slowing down.

The race went exactly the way is was supposed to go. I adapted, kept fighting and smiling until the end.
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I love all this shit!
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#alwaysbepushing
#triathlon
#triathlontraining
#blacktriathlete
#blacktriathletes
#swimbikerun
#ironmantexas
#ironmanlubbock70.3
#thirdcoasttraining
#pearlandtriathlonracingclub
#journeytoironman
#ironmanflorida
#ironmanwaco70.3
#iloveallthisshit
#iloveallofthisshit
#goals
#clydesdaletriathlete
#swimbikerun4equality
#ironmando
#ironchris
#ironmanchris
#fuckcancero
www.journeyto140.com/blog ...

Ironman Lubbock (my 1st 70.3) kicked my ass (in a wonderful way). I had a great time, broke through some mental barriers and missed my goal time by a looongshot.

I’ve got a tinge of disappointment about aspects of my performance. However, the feelings of delight and gratitude are much stronger because I was able to run this race. The road is windy and unpredictable. Enjoy the journey.

Today was a win 👊🏾.
*
I love all this shit!
*
#alwaysbepushing
#triathlon
#triathlontraining
#blacktriathlete
#blacktriathletes
#swimbikerun
#ironmantexas
#ironmanlubbock70.3
#thirdcoasttraining
#pearlandtriathlonracingclub
#journeytoironman
#ironmanflorida
#ironmanwaco70.3
#iloveallthisshit
#iloveallofthisshit
#goals
#clydesdaletriathlete
#swimbikerun4equality
#ironmando
#ironchris
#ironmanchris
#fuckcancero
www.journeyto140.com/blog ...

It’s almost go time! 🤟🏽🥳
Wooo-ha 🏊🏽🚴🏽🏃🏾
#ironmanlubbock703
*
I love all this shit!
*
#alwaysbepushing
#triathlon
#triathlontraining
#blacktriathlete
#blacktriathletes
#swimbikerun
#ironmantexas
#thirdcoasttraining
#pearlandtriathlonracingclub
#journeytoironman
#ironmanflorida
#ironmanwaco70.3
#iloveallthisshit
#iloveallofthisshit
#goals
#clydesdaletriathlete
#swimbikerun4equality
#ironmando
#ironchris
#ironmanchris
#fuckcancero
www.journeyto140.com/blog ...

What a glorious morning to get up and move your body 🏃🏾.

Have a great Monday y’all 👊🏾.

Drat! Indoor saddle time is so uninspiring. After #ironmanlubbock703 I’ll get back outside where I belong ☀️ 🚴🏽.
*
I love all this shit!
*
#alwaysbepushing
#triathlon
#triathlontraining
#blacktriathlete
#blacktriathletes
#swimbikerun
#ironmantexas
#ironmanlubbock70.3
#thirdcoasttraining
#pearlandtriathlonracingclub
#journeytoironman
#ironmanflorida
#ironmanwaco70.3
#iloveallthisshit
#iloveallofthisshit
#goals
#clydesdaletriathlete
#swimbikerun4equality
#ironmando
#ironchris
#ironmanchris
#fuckcancero
www.journeyto140.com/blog ...