Half Ironman Relay Recap – A “Relay” Phenomonal Event

Respect. Awe. Accomplishment. That sums up part of my first relay half Ironman experience. 1.2 mi. swim; 56 mi. bike; 13.1 mi. run. Being a third of the 70.3 miles makes a part of me want to tackle the full. Ironman series are elite athletes set apart in their own category.

The Augusta Half Ironman event brought out the tall and small, old and young. When you watch a 71 year old woman attempt to complete the event you are literally in awe of the fact they are competing in the first place.

Relays are a different deal. It must be how Olympians feel waiting to compete in their individual event, on a much smaller scale. The rainy, unseasonably cool, weather wasn’t helping my patience. The race started at 7:30 AM with our swimmer in the water after 8, meaning I wouldn’t be running until after 11. I sat in the chilly rain for an hour before finally finding cover. I fueled a lot and peed a lot. My fight or flight response is to potty. I had enough downtime where I actually thought I wasn’t going to get pumped up to race. Once a few relay bikers came back it was game on. Seeing my hubs run towards me was a blur, I grabbed the timing chip and took off. This was the first race I’ve done with my Garmin and I took off insanely fast, hovering at a 6 min mile. Thank you caffeine PowerBar Gel . From there I settled into a surprisingly 7:40ish pace. I didn’t know if that was good, if I could hold for 13 miles, etc. Eventually I ran as good as I felt, looking down occasionally. Be still my beating heart do I love my Garmin Forerunner .

Hi Mom!